Professor teaches student physicians how to use art to connect with end-of-life patients
Professor teaches student physicians how to use art to connect with end-of-life patients
Thomasville Times-Enterprise, Moultrie, GA; by Staff Reports; 4/23/25
Richard Curtis of Thomasville teaches art classes at Thomas University, but he’s also an end-of-life doula who volunteers with patients through Archbold Hospice, integrating his artistic skills into his volunteer work. Earlier this month, Curtis showcased his blend of art, medical care, and human interaction during a session of the Medical Humanities course at PCOM South Georgia. Led by faculty member Thomas Last, PhD, the course aims to help student physicians transcend the science of medicine. “The Medical Humanities course supports students’ growth into humanistic, socially conscious physicians by providing reflective opportunities and meaningful experiences that deepen their understanding of diverse patient perspectives,” Dr. Last said.
Editor's note: Do you dismiss this? Does it seem too "out there"? For stronger context, Sandra Bertman, PhD, FT pioneered Arts Medicine with medical students and other healthcare clinicians. For most of her career, Bertman was Professor of Humanities in Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and Graduate School of Nursing, where she founded and directed the Program of Medical Humanities and Arts in Healthcare. (More personally, I've been blessed to know Sandra as my colleague and friend.) Dr. Bertman was awarded the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Social Justice (2018). Her primary publications include ...
- Facing Death: Images, Insights, and Interventions
- One Breath Apart: Facing Dissection (medical students use art to debrief their first dissection experiences)
- Grief and the Healing Arts: Creativity as Therapy