Humanism and the Art of Medicine - University of Pennsylvania.pdfVIP

Momentum Volume 1 | Issue 2 Article 6 12-7-2012 Humanism and the Art of Medicine Daniel Lewis dlew@ This paper is posted at ScholarlyCo ons. /momentum/vol1/iss2/6 For more infor ation, please contact repository@pobox .. Humanism and the Art of Medicine Abstract Daniel Lewis explores the importance of hu anistic values to modern physicians This journal article is available in Momentu : /momentum/vol1/iss2/6 Lewis: Humanism and the Art of Medicine 1 Humanism and the Art of Medicine Daniel Lewis In the book, Becoming a Doctor: A Journey of Initiation in Medical School , author Melvin Konner uses first-hand experiences to provide insights into the system of modern medicine. More specifically, his book as a whole represents an indictment of the American medical system. Through numerous examples of physicians’ inappropriate and insensitive behaviors, Konner elucidates that the humanistic elements of medicine have been lost in a world inundated with scientific technology. Pleading for humanistic training, Konner points out the problems of a medical system that instructs students to distance themselves from patients and focus on technology instead of humanity. He vouches for humanistic physicians who are able to express themselves clearly, listen attentively to their patients, and exhibit compassion and a strong bedside manner. Indeed, physicians must keep in mind the inher