Art in Medicine Program Wins 2021 Governor’s Arts Award
The Art in Medicine program, led by Cynthia Standley, PhD, medical educator and program director at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, has been named among the winners of the 2021 Arizona Governor’s Arts Awards.
“I’m stunned and amazed about winning. I’m so happy,” Dr. Standley said. “I love getting the word out about this program.”
Cynthia Standley, PhD
Dr. Standley started the Art in Medicine program in 2014 under the Department of Bioethics and Medical Humanism to help medical students broaden their perspective and sharpen their observation skills. Illnesses can be difficult to diagnose, as many symptoms are similar across a spectrum of conditions. The skills learned through the Art in Medicine program help students observe factors, in addition to symptoms, that may influence a patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan.
“I think awareness of observation as a process leads to more focus on becoming a better observer,” Dr. Standley said. “All of this helps to improve problem solving, decision making, learning and focused attention, which helps to make a great physician.”
Dr. Standley believes the skills necessary to view art are the same skills a physician relies upon when providing patient care: perception, stillness and compassion. Her passion and commitment have helped grow the program, expanding training to future physicians and other health care professionals.
“We take what they’re learning in doctoring as their diagnostic skills, and we use them in a different context centered around art,” she said. “It’s a little uncomfortable at first, but at the end of the sessions, they have a different viewpoint. You may not always like what you’re faced with and what you’re challenged with, but you have the tools to learn how to accept it, work with it and think out of the box.”
The Art in Medicine program won in the newly created large business category and was nominated by community members who reviewed individuals, businesses and organizations that made an impact on arts and culture in Arizona. Winners for the various categories are selected by an independent committee. This year’s winners were chosen from 24 finalists representing 10 Arizona communities.
A version of this story was originally published by the College of Medicine – Phoenix.