Columbus-based The Ohio State University College of Medicine provides an interesting way for the university's medical students, faculty and staff to escape from the exhausting world of medicine: art, according to The Columbus Dispatch.
Founded in 2009, the Medicine and the Arts Program was launched by 73-year-old Linda Stone, MD, a former professor of medicine at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. The idea for the program was based on her research into the burnout rate for medical professionals, as well as her own experiences in the field, according to the report.
"Our whole focus is, 'How do we thank the people who take care of our patients and teach our students and do research?'" said Dr. Stone. "These people who pour their heart and soul into healthcare, how do we thank them in a meaningful way?"
The program offers medical students, staff and faculty the opportunity to collaborate with various art organizations to host roughly 20 annual events, including lectures by authors and poets, performance groups and a student and staff art show. Those affiliated with the university may also participate in the program's various orchestra, choir, dance, writing and drama ensembles.
The program's roughly $30,000 budget is funded in part by the medical school, medical school alumni and private donors, according to the report.