Journal of Medical Education and Development (May 2022)
The association between medicine and literature
Abstract
Introduction: The interrelationship between medical science and literature is undeniable; obviously, the Literature has been enriched with the views of those in the medical field, also masterpieces in the field of literature have been created by medical writers. Conversely, the medical profession owes much to those who, through literary skills, have succeeded in conveying certain ideas to the general public and carved in human ethics and virtues in this profession. Methods: This study is based on literary masterpieces using a descriptive and analytical approach, investigating the influence of literature and medicine on each other. Result: If literature is indebted to medical science, medical science is also influenced by literature, that is since the purpose of a literary work is to arouse sympathy in the reader or spectator, the design of a patient's suffering in a literary work evokes a passionate sympathy in the physician and especially compels or inspires the physician to take action on the patient's suffering that will be more effective if this empathy leads to compassion. In addition, the literature stimulates a sense of responsibility and commitment to fellow human beings and also plays an important role in regulating the patient's history and diagnosis and treatment of the disease by the physician. Conclusion: Medical students, by reading the literature, in addition to finding skills in biography and diagnosis and treatment, learn commitment and empathy that will be impactful in reducing human suffering.
