What the Students Say About
Medical Humanities (World Lit II)

·         The class has exceeded my expectations by doing something that no other class could do, combining insights into the medical profession with a study of how we as human beings interact with the medical field.  Now I have greater insights into how I can better understand and empathize with my future patients.  I’m sure I will be a better health care practitioner because of it. 

·         The medical humanities class has inspired me to do some writing of my own expressing my inner feelings about what it is to be human and to deal with life’s daily tribulations.  I hope to be published some day. 

·         Although I do not plan a career in medicine, this course will help me to succeed as an engineer by developing evaluation, communication, and presentation skills. 

·         I am excited at the opportunity to study the art or human side of medicine.  

·         I have enjoyed the amazing journey of walking through the stories written by insightful and compassionate authors, such as Richard Selzer and William Carlos Williams.  The blending of literary and medical ideals makes interesting and lively reading. 

·         We read from a wide selection of materials—case narrations, essays, and poetry—that lead to animated class discussions on ethics and establishing a medical professional’s caring attitude in the delivery of patient care.  During the class discussions, there is a camaraderie among the students as we share perspectives, searching for “the pulse within the poem.”  I always leave the class full of inspiration and with a better understanding of humanity.  

·         I believe this course is not only for those interested in the medical field—anyone who has ever been, or ever will be, a patient has much to glean from this course.  The study of the humanness of medicine is for everyone. 

·         In addition to the wealth of understanding I have gotten from the class, I enjoy the class—it is fun!  Dr. Stripling makes an effort to incorporate humor into each class.  In fact, one of our weekly assignments is to search for the humorous side of medicine and to present those articles to the class.  We laugh throughout each class! 

·         Dr. Stripling’s enthusiasm for the medical humanities is evidenced in her “insider’s view” portrayal of Dr. Selzer and his writings.  When Dr. Stripling recounts personal anecdotes with Selzer, the stories we are reading come alive! 

·         In addition to learning communication skills, this class is teaching me to understand how writers see the world.  Writers are very observant of their surroundings.  They are great hunters who stalk the words to express the feelings that make the world more understandable. 

·         This class has given me a better understanding of the delicate relationship between doctors and patients.  Through this understanding I have developed new respect for all medical professionals, especially those who treat me and other patients as people, not just numbers.  

·         This course is beneficial to anyone who is planning a medical career because it exposes students to ethical questions and forces them to consider and to write about them.  Furthermore, it helps students realize that patients need more than a diagnosis; they need a friend who really cares about them. 

·         Because of this class, I now have compassion and respect for medical professionals, as well as for the blessed souls whose health fails them. 

·         The medical humanities class has helped me to build my medical vocabulary.  It has also helped me to understand the importance of communication between doctors and patients as well as the need for empathy and ethical awareness—all characteristics that will improve the practice of medicine. 

·         This class has truly given me a deeper understanding of the components of humanity, which I believe will take me farther in life than anything.  I appreciate Dr. Stripling’s commitment to this class and her dedication to her students.     

·         In this class I feel challenged, encouraged, and am really learning a lot!  I never thought that literature could be so much fun.  I find that I am actually shaking with adrenaline after some of our classes because the conversation is so stimulating!  

·         This course helps me by bringing to my heart the human, emotional side, the yearning need of people to be loved and trusted, to be cared for.  This applies not just to patients but to medical professionals as well.  In addition, in contrast to the technical classes I am taking, my own creativity has been sparked.  

·       This class is contributing to my goals in many ways.  First, I have a better understanding of medical professionals and their obstacles.  Also, I am now better prepared for the feelings and responsibilities I will come in contact with in the medical field.  Moreover, in my independent research I have learned that I have a passion for literature and the thought process it provokes.  I have always had a love for writing.    

·    The class discussions and presentations are my favorite part of this course.  In fact, I have found that I get positive energy from speaking in class. 

·   It is my wish that local universities would consider this Humanities class with its heavy writing component in lieu of an English class.

·     Your Medical Humanities class was an incredibly lifechanging experience that Biology/pre-med students could really benefit from.

  ·     A Medical Humanities class could profoundly benefit pre-medical teachers and physicians, and I believe this TCC class will be the catalyst for upcoming Medical Humanities classes at other colleges and universities.