Spring 1984

Program for Humanities in Medicine

“The School of Medicine recently received a grant from the Connecticut Council for the Humanities in support of a new program for humanities in medicine. Directed by Dr. Howard M. Spiro, professor of medicine, the program is presenting a series of twelve semi-monthly lectures throughout the spring and fall to bring together scholars in the humanities and members of the medical profession in discussions about the influence of the arts and letters on medicine and health.

“Speakers include Dr. Robert Coles, professor of psychiatry and medical humanities at Harvard University; Arnold Rampersad, professor of English at Rutgers University; Arthur Caplan, associate for the humanities at the Hastings Center; and Dr. Martin Carey, associate professor of medicine, physiology and biophysics at Harvard University. They will discuss topics as diverse as the physician as a writer; the effects of health and well-being on art and visa versa; ethical issues in organ transplantation, and creativity and illness.

“The purpose of the series, according to Dr. Spiro, is to encourage medical students and professionals to expand their definitions of health and disease through a better understanding of the cultural and intellectual influences on health and well-being, as well as to stimulate scholars in the humanities to take a greater interest in health related issues. The lectures are open to the public without charge.”