Themes
Towards a More Humane Model of Medicine History, Present and Future- To plan a new more intentionally humane future for medicine we need to know our historical and cultural contexts of health care. Students will actively learn about how medicine has evolved from its earliest roots to its present forms.
On Caring Care is the fundamental act in medicine, and is a deeply human endeavor. We exist because we care for one another. We will explore the sociophysiology of care, develop caring choreographies, and learn how to give and receive care.
Healing “Healing”, says Wallace Stevens, “is the intuitive art of wooing nature.” “Cure”, on the other hand has a highly objective focus. Whereas the anecdote is dismissed in pursuit of truth in mainstream medicine, the narrative process can be a channel for healing. The narrative, the therapeutic ritual, the placebo effect, and other healing practices, will be explored and experienced.
Medicine and Art Art in its many expressions can, through activating the imagination, open channels of significance deepening understanding and promoting healing. Poetry, prose, music, dance, stage arts and clowning will be explored and experienced.
Doctor as Medicine We dissect the central social dialectic in today’s healthcare, the patient-doctor relationship itself, and how the caregiver can become a therapeutic force for the one cared-for.
Medicine, Community and Society Each moment is a healthcare moment. Communities, relationships, families, societies can create health or illness. We explore the role of physician in recognizing and making use of the therapeutic community.
Healthy Designing Rather than passively participate in current healthcare delivery systems, it is possible to design one’s own practice, making use of one’s unique talents, passions, and creativity.
Community Building and Active Participation An inherent part of the elective will be active participation in community building. Students and teachers will function as community members at the G! Institute. Active participation in work, cooking, organic gardening fun and play will be encouraged.