Johanna Shapiro, Juliet McMullin, Gabriella Miotto, Tan Nguyen, Anju Hurria, Minh Anh Nguyen
Abstract
Introduction. This study examines differences in students’ perceived value of three art-making modalities (poetry, comics, masks) and whether the resulting creative projects offer similar or different insights into medical students’ professional identity formation. Methods. Mixed-methods design using a student survey, student narrative comments and qualitative analysis of students’ original work. Results. Poetry and comics stimulated insight, but masks were more enjoyable and stress-reducing. All three art modalities expressed tension between personal and professional identities. Discussion. Regardless of type of art-making, students express concern about encroachments of training on personal identity but hoped that personal and professional selves could be integrated.
Keywords Medical education · Arts in medical education · Professional identity formation · Poetry in medical education · Comics in medical education · Mask-making in medical education · Medical student wellness