CHASM Board of Directors from left: Jessica Babal, MD, Nicole Nelson, PhD, Elizabeth Fleming, MD, Stephannie Acha-Morfaw, MD, and Liana Eskola, DO.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Collective for Humanism, Arts, and Storytelling in Medicine (CHASM) transforms the medical community through arts-based practices. By infusing humanistic values into medical training and discourse, CHASM aims to foster a culture of equity, kindness, connection, critical thinking, and justice. The Department of Family Medicine and Community Health is one of seven departments across campus, in addition to the Ebling Library and UW Health, contributing to the program. DFMCH faculty directly involved include Dr. Elizabeth Fleming, who serves on the CHASM Board of Directors, as well as Drs. John Frey, Valerie Gilchrist, Rachel Grob, David Keifer, Magnolia Larson, Vincent Minichiello, Sarina Schrager, Samantha Sharp, and Jonathan Temte.
The Power of Arts-Based Practices
Arts-based practices can evoke empathy, foster emotional intelligence, and enhance communication skills. In the context of medicine, these practices can be particularly transformative. They provide a means for medical professionals to connect with patients on a deeper level, understanding their experiences and emotions beyond the clinical symptoms.
For instance, storytelling allows patients to share their narratives, giving voice to their personal journeys and struggles. This not only helps in building a therapeutic relationship but also aids healthcare providers in gaining a holistic understanding of the patient’s condition. Similarly, visual arts can be used to express complex emotions and experiences that might be difficult to articulate through words alone. These creative expressions can lead to more compassionate and patient-centered care.
Infusing Humanistic Values
CHASM’s mission is to integrate these arts-based practices into medical education and practice, thereby infusing humanistic values into the core of healthcare. By doing so, they aim to create a more equitable and just healthcare system. This involves training medical students and professionals to approach their work with empathy, kindness, and a deep respect for the dignity of every individual.
One of the key aspects of CHASM’s approach is the emphasis on critical thinking. Arts-based practices encourage this by challenging medical professionals to consider multiple perspectives, question assumptions, and engage in continuous self-reflection. This not only enhances their clinical skills but also promotes a more thoughtful and compassionate approach to patient care.
Building Connections and Community
Another significant impact of CHASM’s work is the fostering of connections within the medical community. By bringing together medical professionals, patients, and artists, CHASM creates a space for dialogue and collaboration. This helps in breaking down the hierarchical barriers that often exist in healthcare settings, promoting a sense of community and mutual respect.
The DFMCH contributing faculty have long embraced the power of the arts in their professional and personal lives. Frey taught literature and worked with oral historians early in his career, enriching his understanding of patient narratives. Gilchrist finds that reading prose and poetry provide reflection, compassion, and empathy, essential for patient care. Engaging with the humanities through writing, music, and dance helps Keifer stay grounded and foster fulfilling relationships. Larson emphasizes the importance of narrative medicine and reflective practices in enhancing cultural competency and empathy. Minichiello describes The Healer’s Art elective as a healing space for medical students to share experiences and grow. Sharp and Schrager both use writing skills to build trust with patients, while Temte’s background in literature and music enriches his medical practice and personal life.
Through workshops, seminars, and collaborative projects, CHASM provides opportunities for medical professionals to engage with the arts and humanities. These experiences not only enrich their professional lives but also contribute to their personal growth and well-being. By nurturing a more holistic and humanistic approach to medicine, CHASM is helping to create a healthcare environment that values and supports the well-being of both patients and providers.
Learn more about CHASM and upcoming events: Collective for Humanism, Arts, and Storytelling in Medicine (CHASM) – A Community for Medical Humanities at the University of Wisconsin- Madison – UW–Madison
Published: September 2024