The first sustained UK textbook devoted to the newly-emerging Medical Humanities Focusing on the human experiences at the heart of medical care, health, illness, disability and suffering Exploring aspects of clinical medicine which are not captured by natural sciences Integrating a range of contributing humanities disciplines.

Section 1: Humanities Reflecting Society.

The nature and role of the medical humanities.

Society, community, well being.

Evaluating the outcome of arts and health initiatives.

Medical record as catalogues of experience.

Section 2: Patients and Professionals.

The consultation as Rubik's cube.

The new genetics - re-telling and re-interpreting an old story.

Poetry as a key for healthcare.

Spirituality as an integral part of care.

Section 3: Changing Attitudes.

Portfolio learning.

Creative arts in the medical curriculum.

Memorials.

Why medical humanities now?.

Medical humanities - means, ends and evaluation.

Section 4: Understanding Medical Knowledge.

Validating the facts of experience in medicine.

The humanities role.

Philosophy's gaze

The purpose of medical humanities is to improve the delivery of effective health care through a better understanding of disease in society, and in the individual. The interfaces between the science of medicine and the arts, philosophy, sociology and law interpret causes and effects of disease. The field of medical ethics is the most prominent offspring of this wider debate, yet the context of disease in the life of the individual and of society is profound and far-reaching. The influences of medicine on the humanities and vice versa are all around, yet only recently have they been recognised in the wider world of health care.

How can you encapsulate the essence of medical humanities and teach it to health professionals? Medical Humanities is designed to fill the need for a clear, well illustrated text that both provides the principles for the individual reader, and encourages discussion. The issues are explored in four main sections:

Based on a highly successful seminar, and with contributions from leading writers, thinkers, and teachers, this book provides a comprehensive and authoritative reference for what is becoming a professional requirement in medicine. It will be invaluable for clinicians and students alike.