Medical education and the arts: a survey of U.S. medical schools.
BACKGROUND
Although the literary arts initiated the movement to include the humanities in medical education, little is known about the incorporation of other art forms.


OBJECTIVE
A study was designed to determine the variety of arts-related activities in U.S. medical schools.


METHODS
Questionnaires were mailed twice to each of the U.S. medical school deans requesting information about arts-related required and elective courses, extracurricular activities, course and activity titles, and funding sources.


RESULTS
Of 100 respondents (78%), 21 offer arts-related required courses, 42 offer electives, and 89 offer extracurricular activities. School-based funds were listed in 67 schools and endowments in 13.


CONCLUSIONS
Exposure to a variety of the arts is commonplace in U.S. medical schools. Almost half the schools involve the arts in the curriculum and over two thirds support arts-related extracurricular programs. Further investigation is necessary to determine the numbers of students involved, degree of involvement, and the impact on learning and practice.
Strickland
Mathew A
MA
Tulane University School of Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, TB53,  New Orleans, Louisiana70112-2715, USA.
Gambala
Cecilia T
CT
Rodenhauser
Paul
P
D001154:Art; D003479:Curriculum; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008091:Literature; D012577:Schools, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States