The UAMS Division of Medical Humanities was formed in 1982 as part of a nationwide trend toward addressing the ethical issues raised in healthcare delivery and research. The division has achieved a national reputation for its integration of science and human values within the medical education curriculum.  In its seminars students move beyond scientific analysis to consider the broader context of healthcare delivery. They consider social and human values as presented in literature, art, anthropology, history, and the social sciences. Division programs prepare medical students, other healthcare professionals, and the public to deal with complex ethical issues.
 

The division is committed to making a difference in the lives of Arkansans by preparing the state's medical professionals to address the human dimension of healthcare delivery. It regularly offers conferences on medical ethics to medical residents, nurses, chaplains, and social workers on the UAMS staff. In addition it sponsors lectures by distinguished authors in the fields of philosophy, history, literature, and religion. The division's educational service to the campus includes consultations with UAMS physicians on ethically troublesome decisions. It has also become a valued source of consultation to doctors and other healthcare professionals throughout the state.

Through lectures, conferences, and seminars provided to the public, the division helps patients and their families realize their role in the patient-physician partnership and understand the important decisions that may confront them. Professional and community service provided by the division has included organizing national conferences in Little Rock on Healthcare for an Aging Society and on Advance Directives in Medicine. 

For more details on the division's many programs and activities, click here.

Concern, compassion, and companionship are essential to good healthcare. Sometimes they are all that can be offered.

The Division is Recognized for Its Efforts

From a recent report by the Liaison Committee for Medical Education, the accrediting arm of the Association of American Medical Colleges: 

"The Division of Medical Humanities is a major strength within this institution. It offers medical students opportunities to participate in experiences that broaden their intellectual and 'real world' horizons and, as a result, assists them in becoming more well-rounded, sensitive and well-informed physicians. 

 

For more information please contact:
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Department of Medical Humanities
4301 West Markham Slot# 646
Phone: (501) 661-7970
Fax: (501) 661-7967