An Integrated Pathway for Medical Humanities

FAIN: AK-255322-17

Earlham College (Richmond, IN 47374-4095)
Vincent A. Punzo (Project Director: October 2016 to March 2021)
Mike Deibel (Co Project Director: June 2018 to March 2021)

A two-year curriculum development project to revise four courses and develop four new ones to form an integrated pathway in medical humanities.

Earlham College proposes the development of an interdisciplinary “medical humanities integrated pathway” that will be designed to help students develop a broader, deeper, and more holistic understanding of health care, healing and illness. The pathway will consist of three components: 1) a constellation of interconnected humanities and social sciences courses focused on health, illness, and medicine, 2) civic engagements related to the medical allied health fields or public health, and 3) a culminating integrative project. In their research and course work students will explore the cultural and psychological influences that shape experiences of health, healing, and illness as well examine global models and personal narratives of health care. Civic engagements will provide students the opportunity to experience the ways in which conceptual notions of empathy, understanding, care, and dignity are instantiated in health care settings.