Literature and Medicine

Thanks to the hard work, enthusiasm and interest in literature of fourth-year students Colin Stewart, David O'Banion and Tyler Jorgensen, the Center for Medical Humanities & Ethics is pleased to offer an exciting new elective for second- and fourth-year students. The course will start in August 2007 and end in early April 2008 so that it will not interfere with preparations for second-year final exams and the USMLE Step 1. Most of the course will take place over the web via Blackboard so as to allow for maximum flexibility in students��� schedules. After each reading block, there will be an evening meeting to discuss the material.

What's the purpose of this course? First, to enjoy the readings! Second, for students to use the readings as a tool to prepare for and process their clinical experiences, and to approach their development as people and as physicians. Third, to interact with other second- and fourth-year students and faculty in a venue this is open and informal.

What will we be reading? We'll be reading Tracy Kidder's "Mountains Beyond Mountains," short stories by Andrea Barrett and Andrew Porter, and many others.

Who'll be leading the course? Dr. Jerald Winakur and Lee Robinson, JD, who've served as Associate Faculty at the Center since its inception, will lead the Blackboard discussions and will be present at each of the six evening meetings. In addition, guest experts and lecturers will attend the meetings.

Students:
We will be able to accommodate 10 second-year and 10 fourth-year students. Registration will be done on a first come, first served basis. Interested students should contact humanities@uthscsa.edu and submit an add/drop form to The Center for Medical Humanities & Ethics.