“Just as
organisms and other natural forms of life develop through an incredibly complex
series of interactions, so develop masterpieces of art through series of
interactions. Each component of this interaction may independently exhibit its
own characteristic and dynamic behavior. Yet when they are combined into some
larger functioning unit, utterly new and unpredictable properties emerge.”
(Ingber
D. – The Architecture of Life)
In similar
views, a work of art isn’t simply comprised of the paintbrush and abstract
expressions. Art is an amalgam of many different disciplines and thoughts
through which the creator evokes a message, whether executed with the conscious
thought that he/she is blending different ideas or whether that blend is a
natural result of pure creativity.
In the past decade,
a lot of research has been devoted to the influence of the arts across all
curriculums and the newfound purpose that the arts seems to serve in the
contemporary world aside from its intended aesthetic purpose. One particular
field the arts has been improving and will continue to transform is the
“MedTech” domain—or the sphere of Medicine and Technology.
By Wikipedia’s
definition, the term medicine refers
to the “field that mixes applied science with art in the diagnosis, treatment
and prevention of diseases.” The word is derived from the Latin ars medicina, meaning the “art of
feeling.” This definition even extends to the Hippocratic Oath, which remains
in Western civilization as an expression of “ideal conduct for the physician.”
Throughout this oath, “medicine” is synonymously replaced with “art”
To hold him who has
taught me this art as equal to my parents, …
In purity and holiness I
will guard my life and my art.
[ Hippocratic Oath by Hippocrates]
It is no wonder
then, to see why incorporating the arts can improve the patient’s experience
and do a lot more. For example, for a young boy with severe spasticity, music
can be used to relieve his fears and anxieties of being in a hospital, be a
distraction from the pain of treatment, provide comfort, and increase the
likelihood that the child would be cooperative during a medical procedure. In
fact, music therapy is one common example of how art and medicine/technology
frequently come together to resolve many of today’s problems.
[While researching additional information on how music therapy applies to human health and well-being and came across 3 interesting articles/audios. The first link below relates music therapy directly to five health conditions: Autism, Dementia, Depression, Infant Development, Sleep Quality. The second link is a 3 minute talk on NPR Music regarding the possibility that music may be as good as medication. The third link is another commentary from NPR Music with patients, doctors, and scientists about the research and practice of music therapy.]
Although some
might be inclined to dismiss the arts as a triviality, research is showing
other reasons why physician and health care specialists should become advocates
for incorporating the arts in medicine. Medical students are expected to hone
their observational, listening, and critical thinking skills while expanding
their capacity to empathize with the patients. It seems that students with more
“right brain” qualities—related to imagery, visual and drawing skills—have
began to emerge as more successful in today’s digital, image-based world of
medicine. Of course, we live in a society that fosters the left brain and
stifles the right brain, but increasing numbers of studies continue to attest
to the unique synergy of art and medicine and the boundless capacity of the
visual arts to allow physicians to pick up more physical findings.
[Left Brain vs Right Brain]
Moreover,
medical illustrators use 3D technology as key elements in their illustrations,
helping to pull layers apart to reveal the inner aspects and structures of the
body. Innovative and interactive apps such as Interact Elsevier and The
Netter Atlas further help medical professionals to reinforce anatomical
detail through 3D animation.
Many may ask,
“Is there anything intrinsic to medical practice that can reasonably be called
an art?” Well… medicine is not directly art. Instead, medicine is supposed to
be a scientific study and its practice
an art. Both art and science are interdependent and inseparable, just like two
sides of a coin. The importance of the art of medicine is because we have to
deal with a human being, a body, and a soul. To be a good medical practitioner,
one has to become a good artist with sufficient scientific knowledge. And
technology covered with the layer of art can bring relief to the sick.
Works Cited:
Dolev JC,
Friedlaender L, Braverman IM. "Use of Fine Art to
Enhance Visual Diagnostic Skills." JAMA Network. American
Medical Association, 5 Sept. 2001. Web. <http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1031468>.
Between Minds. Digital image. Mindjet.
N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://blog.mindjet.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/JESS3_Mindjet_BetweenMinds_RBvLB-final.jpg>.
Ulbricht, Catherine. "Music Therapy for Health and
Wellness." Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a
Therapist. Natural Standard, 21 June 2013. Web.
<http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/natural-standard/201306/music-therapy-health-and-wellness>.
Was, David. "Harp Therapy: Music As Medication." Audio
blog post. NPR. N.p., 24 Nov. 2009. Web.
<http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120768762>.
Tomaino, Connie, Maria Logis, William Benzon, and Dr. Oliver
Sacks. "Re: Music Therapy." Audio blog comment. NPR.
N.p., 28 June 2002. Web.
<http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1145741>.
Ingber, Donald E. "The Architecture of Life." Scientific
American 278.1 (1998): 48-57. Web.
Tyson, Peter. "The Hippocratic Oath Today." PBS.
PBS, 27 Mar. 2001. Web.
<http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/hippocratic-oath-today.html>.
No comments:
Post a Comment