The Art of Medicine
The Art of Medicine Seminars
A programme of interactive seminars using different art forms as a catalyst to connect and inspire clinical colleagues across the region.
No artistic expertise is required, just a curiosity to explore ways of maintaining and enjoying the art of medicine.
The seminars aim to provide the opportunity to learn something new, connect with colleagues and feel inspired to enjoy more creativity in life and work.
All professionals working in healthcare and medical students are welcome to attend.
Information
The seminars are held alternate months at York Medical Society.
Each session is on a different topic.
Our themes are:
2025 Being Human
2026 Making a Difference
The seminars are planned and delivered by a steering group including clinicians, arts professionals and medical students.
Tickets for seminars are available through Eventbrite and this website.
You can read about previous seminars and the resources we use on
All the books mentioned at our seminars are available to buy on our Bookshop.org page. Profits raised from book sales go directly to support work of the YMS Charity.
The Art of Medicine Seminars - Making a Difference - Behind the Scenes at the Museum
The Art of Medicine Seminars - Making a Difference - Behind the Scenes at the Museum
Everyday objects used in medicine hold the stories of clinicians and patients. They can represent advances in modern medicine, provoke and sustain personal memories while sometimes perpetuating trauma. Objects act as vessels for our identity and beliefs.
Many medical objects were created with reference to the arts and crafts philosophy to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They often have design elements that are not obvious in the context of medical care.
How do we choose which objects to preserve as a record of our time?
How does the process of curation ensure an appropriate balance between an object being the guardian of secrets or a resource to reveal the past?
Museums act as a third space where joy can be celebrated and trauma can be recognised, validated and the process of healing commenced. Their collections enable our present and future selves to connect with the past.
We invite you to hear the stories of objects from the archive at York Medical Society and to bring objects that form part of your medical work or professional identity to share and explore their credentials for a place in our imaginary medical museum.
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Art of Medicine Seminar: Making a Difference - Ripples of Care
The interactive seminar will use art to help us celebrate the often unnoticed small acts of care that when combined benefit all.
Life On The Big Screen
At this seminar, we will explore how film helps us understand the patient perspective of illness.
Book your ticket on Eventbrite
The Art of Breath
Ann Hutchinson, researcher at HYMS will share her work ‘Bringing Breathlessness into view’. The art work associated with this project will be available to view before and after the seminar.
Chris Bartram, Musical Director and Lecturer at York St John University will share his work – Singing for Dementia and help us explore the power of our own breath.
