Performing arts may offer medical students a way to cultivate collective well-being, purpose, and creativity. Ideally, a medical school learning environment promotes subjective well-being, which is a desired outcome and prerequisite for positive development.1 We lack evidence on the impact of artistic expression on medical student well-being and collective development.1 This pilot study examines how a student-organized collaborative arts showcase could impact individual and community well-being and connectedness.
Since 2016, the Medical Arts Program at the University of Michigan Medical School has supported a student-led, bi-annual two-hour medical student concert (with a short hiatus for the COVID pandemic). Performances have included vocal, instrumental, or poetry formats. Performances are solo or ensembles. Students are recruited via institution-wide email and word of-mouth. Attendees and performers are encouraged to interact and share thoughts before and after showcases. Events are catered; attendance is free. This study’s purpose was to gather preliminary data from a June 2023 showcase to inform future studies and event planning. Study participants included all performers and attendees of the June 2023 showcase. Participants were asked to complete a post-showcase survey assessing qualitative attitudes on community belonging, well-being, and changes of perspective.
In June 2023, six student groups participated with poetry, vocal, piano, guitar, and flute performances (1 third-year-, 2 second-year-, 5 first-year students. We received 20 post-showcase survey responses. Survey respondents reported an increased sense of belonging and connectedness (19/20). All respondents expressed stronger appreciation for the medical school community, and the majority stated they interacted with new individuals (18/20). Students also described a “supportive environment” and enjoyed the passion that performers displayed (Figure 1).
Jones EK, Kittendorf AL, Kumagai AK. Creative art and medical student development: a qualitative study. Med Educ. 2017 Feb;51(2):174-183. doi: 10.1111/medu.13140. Epub 2016 Nov 23. PMID: 27882578.
Major Themes from Post-Survey Student Responses
| Primary Themes | Representative Responses |
|---|---|
| Appreciation for the Community |
“I loved being able to see my classmates perform and showcase their talents!! I feel like I got to know a different side of them.” “I appreciated the talent of fellow medical students.” |
| Connectedness and Belonging |
“I loved the supportive environment.” “I appreciated the vulnerability of the performers with willingness to share with classmates.” “Things like this really make me secure in choosing to go to the University of Michigan Medical School.” “I felt a sense of peace.” |
| Valuing Creativity |
“The joy and passion that students have in their artistic endeavors stood out the most to me.” “We have so many talented folks in this community.” |