Humanities in Medicine Program
The Humanities in Medicine Program provides opportunities for students, faculty and staff at the Zucker School of Medicine, Northwell Health, and Hofstra University, to learn about important issues in medicine through a study of the arts, literature, history and the humanities. These programs are designed to help healthcare professionals develop the broader perspectives necessary to understand the true impact of illness on patients’ lives. In addition, by encouraging healthcare professionals to pursue their interests and passions in the arts, the Humanities in Medicine Program also assists them in finding and maintaining the essential balance necessary for them to be their best selves, both professionally and personally.
The Humanities in Medicine Program houses the Osler Society of the Zucker School of Medicine, a forum dedicated to pursuing the humanities among healthcare professionals. No-fee membership in the Osler Society is open to all faculty, students and staff of the Zucker School of Medicine and its affiliated entities. All programming is provided free of charge and many are open to members of the public with prior registration. The Humanities in Medicine Program operates under the direction of the Dean’s Office.
COVID19 update: During these challenging times, it is more important than ever that we delve into the humanities to gain perspective and to cope with the traumatic experiences and difficult emotions we are facing. We have developed a series of online health humanities programs and offered via online platforms such as Zoom. In addition, we are now publishing reflective pieces written by students, faculty and staff members during these challenging times.
To submit your reflection or for more information, please email Lisa Martin at Lisa.Martin@hofstra.edu.
Humanities in Medicine - Program Highlights
Virtual Performance Explores Emotional Impact of Dialysis
HEMPSTEAD, NY – In collaboration with Northwell Health’s Division of Nephrology and the Davita Dialysis Center of Port Washington, the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine offered a rare glimpse into life on dialysis. The school’s Humanities in Medicine Program, the Osler Society, hosted a moving virtual theatrical performance of The Time Between, a play written by Hofstra University student Julie Spector. Nearly 100 physicians, healthcare workers, students, patients, and caregivers attended. |Read More|
Zucker School of Medicine Stages Performance of Invisible Prisons, a Prompt for Learning About Domestic Violence
Hempstead, NY — The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine’s Osler Society recently hosted a virtual theatrical production of Invisible Prisons, by Joy Snihur Wyatt Laking, an intense, and educational, play about domestic violence. Partnering with Northwell Health’s Center for Equity of Care, the performance and the discussion that followed reached a virtual audience of over 180 medical students, physicians, nurses and others within the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine, Northwell Health, and Hofstra University communities. |Read More|
Zucker School of Medicine and Northwell Health Utilize the Humanities to Prompt Difficult Conversations
With increasing tensions and heightened emotions due to the recent tragic deaths of Black Americans at the hand of white police, as well as the rising tide of racism stoked by dangerous political rhetoric, opportunities for dialogue, education and sharing have become more urgent than ever. |Read More|
Teaching Empathy and Resilience through Film, Theater, Literature and Art during COVID-19
Keeping with the trend of virtual education and entertainment, the Zucker School of Medicine has been offering extracurricular learning opportunities though its Humanities in Medicine Program. |Read More|
Medicine 2020 Celebration of Visual Art Exhibit has gone online
Due to COVID-19, we have had to postpone our exhibit at the Zucker School of Medicine until Hofstra University re-opens. In the meantime, please enjoy our online exhibit!
Individually Intersex: Raising the voice of a hidden community
Individually Intersex featured a powerful discussion and art exhibit by artist, speaker, and activist, Emily Quinn, who shared her own story and gave voice to twenty others each depicted in powerful portraits. |Read More|
Caring for the Racist Patient
Zucker School of Medicine event addresses patient bias. |Read More|
Upcoming Events
A Musical Interview with Anita Hollander, cancer survivor/amputee, internationally acclaimed musical theater actress. A program on disability and resiliency. Thursday, January 21, 2021, 6-8pm, via ZOOM. More Information/To Register
Danny Kean, Live in Concert! A program on music and blindness. Tuesday, February 9, 2021, 6-8 p.m. (Live and/or via Zoom, tbd) More Information/To Register
We are now accepting submissions for the 10th Issue of our art & literary journal, Narrateur, Reflections on Caring. Read the 9th Issue here.
Submit your artwork for the 2021 Celebration of Visual Art Exhibit More Information.
ZSOM Students: To inquire about the Healer's Art Certificate Course or undertaking at Scholarly Concentration in Humanities in Medicine , contact Lisa Martin