Veterinary Education Symposium: Exploring Cross-disciplinary Learning (through the Arts and Humanities) in Veterinary Education. With Dr Andrew Gardiner.

Introduction

Since the 1970s, the topic of medical humanities has emerged as a thriving cross-disciplinary research area. It encompasses a diverse range of subjects and approaches which aim to increase the understanding of human and animal medicine as a scientific, social and philosophical activity and to inform education and practice.[1],[2],[3]

Consequently there are increasing experiences in the use of medical humanities in the undergraduate curriculum, although there are obstacles conceptually and practically due to the dominance of the biomedical sciences.

This exploratory workshop will allow participants to explore the utility of cross-disciplinary approaches in teaching.

Draft workshop objectives

1) to explore the utility of cross-disciplinary approaches to teaching using the humanities

2) to share and brainstorm ideas about cross-disciplinary approaches

3) to take away plans for applying approaches to different learning situations.

Suitable areas of the curriculum include, but are by no means restricted to, professionalism, communication skills, ethics, complex stakeholder decision-making, and personal coping/resilience.4

Methods

Using a cycle of plenary and small group activities, participants will share and brainstorm ideas and apply them to different learning situations. Examples of some previously used approaches and materials will also be available for discussion.