Elective Curriculum

Develop visual thinking through art. Ask the questions: What do you see? What is going on? Why do you think that? Learn how these answers improve observational skills with patients and explore the art of being an empathetic physician. 

Please contact Dr. Joel Shallit for more details. 

Can reading stories (and the occasional poem) make you a better doctor? Come find out! Expect on-site readings (poetry, short-stories, role-plays, essays, blogs, comics) and discussion about becoming a doctor, patients' experience of illness and the doctor-patient relationship. 

Please contact Dr. Tan Nguyen for more details. 

Addressing patients' spirituality and wellness through patient centered care. We believe personal wellness and spirituality is critical to being the best physicians, but also being our best selves. Join this student-led elective to learn more.

Please contact Melissa Allison for more details.  

Improving doctor-patient communication through improvisational theater. Develop the confidence and ability to listen and observe, then spontaneously and authentically respond in stressful or confusing circumstances. Join us for this fun and exciting course in collaboration with the drama department.

Please contact Prof. Joel Veenstra for more details.  

Art of Doctoring is a 20-week elective session for MS4. The class uses didactic presentations, self-reflective practices and small group case-based problem-solving discussion, as well as observation of ward rounds/clinic sessions to enhance physician-patient relationships and expand students' communication skills with patients and intra-professional teams, as well as promote compassion, empathy and self-care. 

Please contact Dr. Juliet McMullin for more details.