Mobile devices for educational support on clinical placements: Medical students’ perspective

Abstract

ding generation of medical professionals: history provides perspective, enabling doctors to make decisions in light of what worked or did not work before them. It lets us be informed by past successes and learn from past mistakes. Furthermore, just as medicine emphasizes the importance of taking a holistic approach – recognizing the patient as a whole and not just as a symptom or disease process – the medical humanities also share this focus on people, and provide insight into illness experience, empathy and the human condition. Medicine does not only necessitate concentrated knowledge and an impressive practical skillset, “a humane and sympathetic approach to people” is also a requisite (McNaughton 2000). Thus, studying Medical Humanities can sharpen the untaught skills needed for the practice of medicine as an art, not just a science. In light of the above, it is evident that the medical humanities can play a constructive role in the development of young medical professionals. Studying the past, besides making the present so much more interesting, can open many doors for the future. Disclosure statement