Teaching and learning medical humanities in medical school: a student's perspective on professional practice curriculum in Australia

Abstract

The growing integration of the medical humanities in medical school curricula highlights its importance in the development of culturally safe, patient-centred clinicians. Internationally, medical schools attempt to increase student engagement through course electives, different modes of assessment and diverse content delivery. At the University of Melbourne, the Professional Practice program aims to provide an easy, engaging way of exposing students to the medical humanities, including reflective practice, collaborative practice, leadership, advocacy, professional identity formation, medical ethics and law. However, students’ perceptions of the medical humanities may prevent desired outcomes..