Generations of physicians have recognized that medicine is more than science and technology alone. An understanding of the complexity of human burdens, motivations and beliefs is crucial.

At USD Sanford School of Medicine, we know the humanities can help foster such understanding for our students and faculty. The school’s Section of Ethics and Humanities, established in 1995, has championed an integrated exposure to a range of humanities.

The “Arts in Medicine” project includes a focus on the visual arts, revealing what we might otherwise fail to see. Enhanced perception can promote the wisdom and empathy that fosters excellent patient care.