photo credit: Dan Simon
The Art of Medicine Project began in 2003 and is committed to creating and encouraging individuals to create plays and other works of art that start a conversation about the human side of medicine.
The premise is that medicine provides a drama rich environment that can reveal universal truths about the human condition. These enlightening moments are given life by a sort of triptych, if you will; the doctor, the illness and the patient and family. Our mission is to capture these moments in the form of theatrical productions centering on the interactions between these three elements. These performances must stand alone as pieces of art. In doing so, we hope to explore these moments and their significance and thus argue for the perpetuation and further development of the art of medicine as an essential part of caring for people in their time of need.
We recognize that diagnosing a disease properly is of paramount importance and requires keen analytical skills. However, we believe that great doctors must also master certain interpersonal skills. These skills are key to strengthening the doctor-patient relationship. Passing these skills on is the challenge and responsibility of each generation of doctors. The current generation has it's work cut out for it. We are concerned about the rapid introduction of computers in the examining room, telemedicine and other technologies that have revolutionized medical care, but have the potential to diminish the ancient, unique and powerful bond that good doctors have with their patients. The play, Marginalia, is an example of the type of work we seek to encourage.