The Importance of Humanities in Pre-Medical Education

Authored By: Shreya Bhardwaj

Art By: Amy Em

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) reported a marked 17% increase in applications during the 2021-22 admission cycle and projects that this figure will only continue to rise in the coming years [1]. Most of these applicants come from STEM backgrounds, with life-sciences majors being a popular choice given the overlap between their curricula and the required courses for medical admissions. As such, many students tend to mainly take STEM courses and often overlook the value that humanities classes bring in helping them to develop a well-rounded perspective on healing. According to a journal article by Anil, et al. in which sample MD curricula were analyzed from the U.S. News’ top 31 ranked medical schools, there is a definitive lack of integration of the arts and humanities into the current required undergraduate medical curricula [2]. 

The study of humanities in undergraduate and medical education has become increasingly relevant to the development of observational skills, analytical reasoning, and empathy while providing insight into human conditions, illnesses, and suffering across the world. The AAMC itself strongly recommends integrating arts and humanities studies with core science and math classes, asserting that it will allow “trainees and physicians… to be better observers and interpreters and build empathy, communication, and teamwork skills'' [3]. 

Humanities facilitate the development of a general breadth of soft skills that are necessary for becoming a competent physician. The study of subjects such as writing, media studies, and anthropology, for example, improve communication and critical thinking skills; these skills factor into the larger responsibility of adequately articulating details about symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments to patients and fellow medical personnel. 

Similarly, subjects like sociology aid students in placing healthcare and medical issues in the context of larger societal and environmental factors that influence health. As described in a Marymount University news blog, medical sociology explores “social and behavioral determinants of health and promotes a more nuanced examination of how personal and group identities influence professional development and behavior” [4]. Being familiar with sociological principles will also help to prepare pre-medical students for the revamped behavioral sciences portion of the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) and benefit them in the long run during their future practice.

Humanities also help to address the demand for culturally and socially aware physicians who promote health in a more holistic manner, as noted by the American College of Physicians [5]. This is especially important when engaging with communities that have historically been at a disadvantage in seeking proper health care, including Native American tribal reservations and areas of low socioeconomic makeup. Due to a long history of abuse and discrimination against them, they are often less likely to seek out medical attention when necessary and more likely to be mistrustful of medical personnel and less satisfied with their treatment. Culturally competent medical personnel will be more able to overcome such stigmas and provide the best possible care within the scope of the patient’s wishes. 

Ultimately, a solid foundation in humanities within the greater undergraduate pre-medical curriculum will be essential for students in further promoting the development of analytical reasoning, communication skills and a sense of empathy for suffering and the human condition. As such, there is a need for cross-institutional curriculum reform in pre-medical studies.

References 

1. Boyle, P. (2021, December 8). Medical school applicants and enrollments hit record highs; underrepresented minorities lead the surge. AAMC. Retrieved November 13, 2023, from 

https://www.aamc.org/news/medical-school-applicants-and-enrollments-hit-record-highs underrepresented-minorities-lead-surge 

2. Anil, J., Cunningham, P., Dine, C. J., Swain, A., & DeLisser, H. M. (2023). The medical humanities at United States medical schools: a mixed method analysis of publicly accessible information on 31 schools. National Library of Medicine, 23(620), 11. 10.1186/s12909-023-04564-y 

3. Association of American Medical Colleges. (n.d.). The Fundamental Role of Arts and Humanities in Medical Education. AAMC. Retrieved November 14, 2023, from https://www.aamc.org/about-us/mission-areas/medical-education/frahme 

4. More Sociology graduates are going into the medical field — here’s why. (2022, June 13). Marymount University. 

https://marymount.edu/blog/more-sociology-graduates-are-going-into-the-medical-field-h eres-why/ 

5. Liao, J. (n.d.). Commentary Corner: The Importance of Medical Humanities | ACP Online. American College of Physicians. Retrieved November 14, 2023, from https://www.acponline.org/membership/medical-students/acp-impact/archive/february-20 12/commentary-corner-the-importance-of-medical-humanities