History of Program

The program known as Literature in Medicine: Humanities at the Heart of Health Care was begun in Maine, and has spread to many states through the state humanities councils.  The program helps health care providers to empathize more fully with patients, and deal with their own human reactions to life as a health care provider.

According to the program website, “The program encourages participants to connect the worlds of science and lived experience, giving them the opportunity to reflect on their professional roles and relationships through plays, short stories, poetry, fiction and personal narratives in a setting where they can share their reflections with colleagues. It has a significant effect on the way participants understand their work, and their relationships with patients and with each other.”

Literature in Health Care at the University of Missouri

This book discussion series allows health care providers to discuss books related to patient and health care provider issues from a unique and human perspective. All types of literature are discussed including fiction and memoir.

The J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library, School of Medicine, School of Health Professions and University of Missouri Health Care Art in Health Care Program are sponsoring Literature in Health Care for a second year.  The Missouri Humanities Council is funding the books for the program.

This program was first hosted at the University of Missouri in 2010.

How can I participate?

Please contact Health Sciences Library for more information about the program.

Literature in Health Care Bookcase

The Health Sciences Library is placing books that were used in past Literature in Health Care programs in a bookcase that is under the stairwell on the second floor of the library.  These books will be available for checkout by patrons.  As new books come to the library, that meet the criteria of Literature in Health Care, they will also be placed in the bookcase for patron checkout.