Humanities in Medicine - An Anaesthetist's Perspective

Can poetry illuminate the art of healing? Can literature deepen a doctor's connection with their patients? In this thought-provoking and inspiring session, Dr David Mathew, Consultant Anaesthetist at Khoo Teck Put Hospital, invites us to explore the vital role of the humanities in medicine through the lens of his creative practice. A published poet and dedicated medical educator, Dr Mathew uses verse to capture the complexities of patient care, the ethical dilemmas of clinical decision-making, and the profound emotional landscape of medicine.

Blending storytelling, reflection, and poetry, this session will challenge conventional boundaries between science and the arts, revealing how literary expression enhances relationality, ethical sensitivity, and communication in medical practice. As a key member of a Medical Humanities Workgroup, Dr Mathew will also share insights into how the humanities are reshaping medical education, fostering more compassionate and perceptive doctors. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to hear Dr Mathew read and discuss a selection of his poems, offering a deeply personal and evocative glimpse into the human side of medicine.

Whether you are a healthcare professional, student, or simply curious about the intersection of medicine and the arts, this talk promises to be an engaging experience that reaffirms the profound humanity at the heart of healthcare