Medicine is often seen as a purely scientific field, relying on biology, chemistry and technology to diagnose and treat illnesses. However, the medical humanities—which include disciplines like literature, philosophy, ethics, history and the arts—play a crucial role in shaping compassionate and well-rounded healthcare professionals. The family of longtime Gainesville, Georgia physician Henry S. Jennings, Jr., MD, recognized this and bequeathed a signature gift to the Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) Foundation to allow for Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s (NGMC) Graduate Medical Education program to host an annual lecture series. The Henry S. Jennings, Jr., MD, Visiting Lectureship in Medical Humanities was thus born.
“Medical humanities matter for several reasons. First, they create greater empathy among medical professionals by helping them understand the diverse experiences of their patients,” said Donna Brown, PhD, MS Ed, C-TAGME, executive director for medical education at NGMC. “They also strengthen medical professionals’ ability to listen to and communicate complex medical information in a way that is both clear and compassionate. Lastly, medical humanities help professionals navigate complex moral dilemmas and ensure that their decisions consider both science and the human experience. I’m thrilled to have an annual lectureship series right here in Gainesville, Georgia that brings prestigious speakers from across the country who present on these important topics. Having access to this lectureship benefits not only our medical trainees but also the community at large.”
Past lectureships have included diverse topics such as AI in medicine, the act of storytelling, and finding more joy and less burnout in the medical profession.
To learn more about the Henry S. Jennings, Jr., MD, Visiting Lectureship in Medical Humanities, view past lectures and learn about the upcoming lecture on February 18, 2025, visit ngmcgme.org/jennings-lectureship.