Primary Care Reflective Readings and The Art of Observation will be presented at UMass Medical School on Friday, Oct. 2, from 1:15 to 4 p.m. The fifth annual event in recognition of National Primary Care Month features readings of personal narratives by medical students, residents and faculty.
The readings are selected from Thursday Morning Memos, UMass Medical School’s homegrown narrative medicine program. “The telling of stories is how we reflect on outcomes, honor patient relationships and process meaning in our work,” said Thursday Morning Memos founder Hugh Silk, MD, who will moderate the readings. “Reflective writing is one way for us to keep focused on patient-centered care and grounded in humanism.”
New this year, the readings will be followed with an interactive workshop to improve attendees’ observations skills. While geared towards medical students and residents, all members of the UMMS community are welcome.
Also new this year, the gathering is being held during the day so that more people can attend.
“We are reading the primary care stories during the daylight hours this year to engage more students, and hopefully inspire them to consider primary care by hearing through prose and poetry about the wonderful interactions and successes we have with patients,” said Dr. Silk, professor of family medicine & community health.
Led by guest instructor James Welu, PhD, director emeritus of the Worcester Art Museum, “The Art of Observation” workshop comprises a variety of group exercises designed to help professionals improve their visual literacy and diagnostic skills. By carefully observing, analyzing and describing works of art, participants can learn to sharpen their sense of inquiry and communication skills. They are encouraged to balance detailed analysis with big-picture thinking and, in the process, deal with ambiguity. By sharing and building on individual perspectives and interpretation, participants also can learn the value of teamwork and the importance of context.
“Jim teaches professionals in health care and other fields larger lessons through art,” said Silk. “Observation, communication and teamwork are all skills essential for being a doctor today.”
Hosted by the Humanities in Medicine Committee of the Lamar Soutter Library, the Massachusetts Area Health Education Centers Network and the Center for the Advancement of Primary Care, Primary Care Readings and the Art of Observation will be held in Amphitheater I. Desserts will be available for attendees beginning at 1:15p.m. The reflective readings segment will take place from 1:45 to 2:30 p.m., followed by the workshop from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
For more information and to RSVP, contact Nancy.Linnehan@umassmed.edu.
