NYU Grossman School of Medicine's Humanistic Medicine Program supports interdisciplinary events that include workshops and seminars, scholarly concentration project presentations, and independent art opportunities. Moderated by expert faculty and community members, these noncredit events are open to all medical students and often extend to the larger NYU community. This following sampling of events demonstrate the types of experiences participants can expect in the Humanistic Medicine Program.

Art and Anatomy

Our artist-in-residence helps turn the Anatomy Lab into an art studio where anatomy is explored in an alternate mode: through drawing—a way of learning to see. This seminar enhances 3D and spatial understanding of the body’s interior, emphasizes the individuality of each anatomical structure, and engages participants in creative expression. Participants examine various visual representations of the inner body—including anatomical art, medical illustration, fine art, and medical imagery—and consider what messages they communicate about the body as a medical and artistic subject.

All skill levels, including beginners, are welcome. The emphasis is on the process and experience of drawing, rather than traditional, step-by-step instruction.

Watch a video about the seminar and view selected drawings.

Vaccine Ethics

This seminar explores the history and ethics of vaccination in the United States, as well as globally. Since the late 18th century, vaccines have elicited a spectrum of public reactions ranging from enthusiasm to outrage to fear.

Through reading and group discussion, participants examine controversies in vaccination stoked at various times by government, pharma, journalists, the global health community, and a skeptical public. Participants examine fundamental questions about the tension between individual autonomy and public health, and the appropriate role and scope of efforts to promote one over the other.

Ethics Workshop

NYU Langone’s clinical consult service helps facilitate conversations about the ethics of several clinical cases that have occurred at the hospital to help students learn how to understand, process, evaluate, and support challenging medical circumstances. Reviewing clinical ethics cases serves as an opportunity for medical students to improve their communication and conflict mediation skills, as well as to develop an understanding of the nuanced healthcare system.