Twelve tips on teaching and learning humanism in medical education

Abstract

Background: The teaching of humanistic values is recognized as an essential component of medical education and continuing professional development of physicians. The application of humanistic values in medical care can benefit medical students, clinicians and patients.

Aims: This article presents 12 tips on fostering humanistic values in medical education.

Method: The authors reviewed the literature and present 12 practical tips that are relevant to contemporary practices.

Results: The tips can be used in teaching and sustaining humanistic values in medical education.

Conclusions: Humanistic values can be incorporated in formal preclinical environments, the transition into clinical settings, medical curricula and clinical clerkships. Additionally, steps can be taken so that medical educators and institutions promote and sustain humanistic values.