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Looking closely and generating theories about the meaning of a work of art has parallels to the process of medical diagnosis, says Ray Williams, art education consultant.
“When you look at an art piece, sometimes you have to look beyond what’s presented in front of you and develop a theory or discover the artist’s meaning or story behind their work,” he explained. “When you care for a new patient, you have to connect with the patient on a deeper level than the surface in order to provide the best care possible.”
That’s exactly what members of the Integrated Teaching Unit (ITU) are doing through the ‘Team Building Through the Arts’ course. Facilitated by Williams, the course guides two interdisciplinary teams through the Museum of Fine Arts each month to study pieces of art and discuss their views.
“Examining something that is non-verbal, like a work of art, can tell us so much, and it highlights how important our non-verbal gestures towards patients and each other really are,” said Stephanie Lew, PT.
The kind of team-building and communication the course fosters is important to the ITU staff, a clinical team that incorporates an interdisciplinary care model to enhance learning. The team includes physicians (attendings, residents, interns) as well as medical students, social workers, care coordinators, nurses, physical therapists and pharmacists.
During last month’s workshop, the team explored “Vanitas,” a painting by Chilean artist Claudio Bravo. Team members were encouraged to study the objects represented in the painting and consider how their symbolic meaning contributes to the overall message reminding us that the pleasures of life are fleeting.
“It’s a great way for the group to get to know each other, take risks with each other, support each other and build on each other’s ideas. Ultimately, they are building a community where each voice is heard as they strive towards a common goal,” Williams said.
Other exercises during the last workshop included exploring the museum and getting to know one another.
Daniel Solomon, MD, a second-year resident in the Department of Medicine, was among the participants of last month’s workshop.
“I like stepping outside the hospital as a team in general and using our minds in different ways,” said Solomon, an avid photography fan. “I think this exercise really gives us a clear example of how we can build on ideas and interact as a team.”
The course was established in 2008 by Mary Thorndike, MD, former ITU medical director, and continues to foster interaction among staff, said Ellen Clemence, MS, RN, nursing director of Medical Intermediate Care Nursing.
“It sparks a conversation and stimulates a way for people to communicate where all sides are listened to and different points of views are considered,” said Clemence.
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