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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
NSU Medical School Launches Art Observation Program for Student Doctors
What do doctors and art lovers have in common? Both spend a lot of time observing fine details. Through observation, an art enthusiast can truly appreciate a painting or sculpture, while a doctor can better diagnose a patient. Using this theory, Nova Southeastern University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM), recently launched a new program called Art Observation that aims to train medical students on techniques to better observe their patients through an examination of artwork.
“Art and medicine can go hand in hand,” said Dianna L. Silvagni, J.D., a COM clinical assistant professor of medical education who created the program which will be launched in the Fall. “By observing and discussing works of art and art principles, students can develop new and effective skills to observe their patients.”
NSU medical students will have access to artwork through the Museum of Art, Fort Lauderdale. The course will combine hands-on training with facilitated clinical discussions about utilizing art observation principles to observe patients. The observation training will include lessons about art principles such as line, color, balance, and symmetry. In all, students will spend eight hours of actual observation during four sessions and will be given both a pre- and post-course exam. Other disciplines, including representatives from NSU’s Center for Psychological Studies and the medical school’s Lifelong Learning Institute will also participate providing students with various perspectives. There is also an elective online version for fourth-year medical students on rotations.
According to a 2008 Harvard Medical School study, medical students enrolled in an art observation course have increased their observation skills by 38 percent. “Aside from being better doctors, art can help our medical students develop an appreciation for art and other professions,” Silvagni said. Moreover, she said this program will also be launched at NSU’s College of Health Care Sciences, which includes such disciplines as physical therapy, physician assistant, occupational therapy, etc. The goal is to make this program interprofessional, so all health care students have the opportunity to learn from each other and incorporate team building.