Major: English
Minor: Medical Humanities and Studio Art

My name is Emily Ziomek and I’m a junior from Jacksonville, Florida. I’m currently majoring in English, with a minor in Medical Humanities and Studio Art. I am choosing to study Medical Humanities due to my interest in healthcare. While I am not on the pre-med track, I find medical humanities to be quite valuable in regards to other positions in the healthcare industry. 

The Introduction to Medical Humanities course allowed me to gain insight on multiple issues and benefits in the healthcare system, patient care, and health disparities. While this class related to my primary subject of study, English, the minor itself has granted me the opportunity of exploring the medical world through other fields. In taking Introduction to Psychopathology, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of mental health, and how mental health disorders operate. As someone who is not a STEM major, it was an insightful experience to take a class that relates to health of the human brain, an experience I would fail to have had I not pursued the minor. 

As I continued on this track, I enrolled in Forensic Science during my fall semester of Junior year, an advanced elective that captivated my attention. This course provided me with expansive knowledge on the importance of scientific technology and its advancements in the efforts to solve a case. Forensic science provides valuable information needed in order to serve justice to victims of crime. Entering my spring semester of junior year, I have decided to take the class, Writing in Health and Medicine, in hopes to improve my literacy in relation to healthcare and the medical industry. I feel confident in saying the knowledge I have gained in this minor has not only given me a deeper understanding of the medical world, but has also pushed me to ask more questions and seek their answers. 

Major: Art History
Minor: Biology and Medical Humanities

My name is Madighan Crowley and I am a senior Art History major double minoring in Biology and Medical Humanities on the pre-dental track. I have always been interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, but dentistry has always been a clear passion for me. I am on the 4 year track and will be applying to dental schools this summer.

My interest in the intersectionality of arts and sciences is what drew me to the Medical Humanities minor. This minor uniquely blends the analytical rigor of science with the nuanced perspectives of the arts and humanities, offering a holistic approach to understanding health and healthcare. It's not just about the biochemical mechanisms of diseases, but also about understanding the human experience of illness, the narrative of healing, and the ethical complexities inherent in the medical field. I have served as a mentor for underclassmen in the minor and currently as the minor’s undergraduate assistant. The fusion of disciplines has truly enriched my appreciation of the multifaceted nature of healthcare and the diverse experiences of those affected by it. It inspires a more empathetic and culturally sensitive approach to medicine, one that sees patients not just as subjects of treatment but as individuals with their own stories and backgrounds. 

My favorite course that I have taken within the minor is the History of Scientific Illustration with Prof. Wunsch which is a new course for the minor released just this fall. The course asks the question, what role do images play in the production of scientific knowledge? We have covered a wide range of topics such as the relationship between art and science, the aesthetics of the diagram, the concept of visual objectivity, and the history of data visualization. Within the course we have also taken field trips to the Burns library, the McMullen museum, and the Harvard Art museums to interact with physical illustrations from as early as the 15th century. Ultimately, this course has inspired me to write my senior thesis on the intersections of dentistry and art.  

As my senior year comes to a close, I truly am appreciative of the interdisciplinary approach the Medical Humanities minor takes as it is vital in shaping a more inclusive and effective healthcare system.

Major: Biology
Minor: Medical Humanities on the pre-med track

My name is Mairead Lynch and I’m a senior Biology major with a minor in Medical Humanities on the pre-med track. I am deeply inspired by the intersectionality of sciences and humanities in my journey towards becoming a doctor. Specifically, I want to go into primary care and will be applying to medical schools next year. 

My favorite course has been Intro to Medical Humanities with Professor Boesky, where I was exposed to literature and narrative perspectives that emphasized the importance of caring for patients holistically, beyond merely treating their medical conditions. The course also involved discussing and solving many ethical dilemmas that I may encounter in my own future as a medical professional. Preparing myself to deal with these kinds of issues, and thinking more deeply about the meaning and importance of empathy, will definitely help me throughout my career. For instance, we listened to “The Retrievals” podcast which is a five-part narrative series reported by Susan Burton. After listening, we had a class discussion about women’s pain; specifically what happens when patient pain is minimized or dismissed by healthcare professionals. Hearing about such personal and often distressing experiences made me both sad and frustrated to hear about the injustices faced by many women in the healthcare system. I certainly view gender bias in healthcare differently now, and aspired to be a doctor who practices more gender-sensitive medical practices. 

Currently, I’m taking a class called Public Health in a Global Society, which has deepened my understanding of health as not just as a medical issue, but as a complex interplay of societal, environmental, and policy factors. For instance, I’ve learned how factors like socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, and social support networks—as well as access to healthcare—can all affect health outcomes. We have also learned strategies to promote healthy behaviors and prevent diseases through community engagement, education, and public health campaigns. I know that this larger, interdisciplinary context will also be extremely valuable to me in the future. In the same way that patients must be treated as nuanced individuals, medical professionals must also consider the network of factors that inform those individuals’ experiences.

Major: Operations Management
Minor: Medical Humanities

My name is Taylor Kim and I am a senior from the DMV area. I've always been passionate about healthcare, initially aspiring to become a doctor in high school. However, after realizing that science and medicine weren't my calling, I found my true interest at the intersection of business and healthcare. This led me to pursue a degree in Management with a concentration in Operations Management, complemented by a minor in Medical Humanities. I'm now eagerly looking towards a Master's in Healthcare Management to further deepen my expertise. 

My journey into health care management was a blend of evolving interests. I was drawn to the dynamic and impactful world of healthcare but wanted to explore it through a business lens. The field fascinates me because it combines strategic management with the noble goal of improving health outcomes, which can present unique challenges and opportunities. During my summer internship at a Boston hospital's business administration team, I observed the crucial yet complex relationship between hospital administration and medical staff. There was a noticeable lack of mutual understanding and empathy between the leadership and healthcare professionals, highlighting potential challenges in collaboration and hospital management. This experience showed me the importance of integrating individuals with healthcare backgrounds into administrative roles to bridge this gap. I think that the MHHC program has helped prepare me for these difficulties and specifically my Introduction to Social Work course discussed the role of social workers in hospitals and how they help give patients access to the resources they need. On a broader scale, the hospital business administration should provide resources in the same way social workers do for their clients. Thus, my hope in working in hospital administration is so healthcare professionals working with me feel like they are making decisions that impact their direct care for patients. 

A standout experience in my academic journey has been the course in Victimology taught by Prof. Ann Burgess. This advanced elective, a part of my minor, contrasts starkly with my core management courses. Professor Burgess is not only an expert in her field but also exudes a palpable passion for her work. Learning from someone so deeply committed and experienced has been incredibly inspiring and enriching. 

Since I was a kid, I’ve always had a fascination with science, but not in the standard sense of the word. I was interested in how science, mainly biology, intersected with other fields of academia. From using analytical tools introduced in my english classes to the inherent storytelling-nature of history, I was curious on how we can use ideas introduced in other fields to better understand the human body and our experiences in healthcare.

Throughout my early academic career, I found myself drawing on English literature skills to make sense of my biology courses and personal experiences in healthcare. It was in these moments I began to realize the power of crossing science and the humanities, furthering my desire to pursue a pre-medical track in college.

Entering Boston College as a freshman with these interests in mind, I sought out opportunities marrying scientific practice with a humanitarian focus. As a result, I soon found myself in Xela, Guatemala later that year providing primary care treatment to patients of indigenous communities. My experience in Xela further solidified not only my desire to pursue a career in medicine but to practice medicine in a way that prioritizes humanitarianism. Medicine is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing on social, economic, and scientific factors simultaneously. Eager to supplement my scientific studies with a person-centered approach, I applied for the Medical Humanities minor early my sophomore year. Given the freedom to choose from a wide variety of classes spanning multiple academic disciplines, I curated a course of study focused on public health and the individual experience in healthcare.

Upon selecting courses, I chose classes interested in narrating the patient perspective, both in clinic and handling their conditions in their daily lives. While each class I chose within the minor excellently narrated patient experiences, each provided insight into how we, as future physicians, can better understand the patient as human beings and what brings joy to their lives. From Introduction to Medical Humanities with Professor Boesky, I learned how the power of written word contextualized a patient’s vulnerability and how the provider can foster an environment that embraces said vulnerability. In HIV/AIDS, and Ethics with Professor Heyer, we unpacked how vulnerability (and numerous other factors) impact patients, providing explanation and resolution for numerous encounters in healthcare. As these descriptions touch on only a few of the many classes I have taken in the minor, each embodies one of the primary underpinnings to the practice of medicine: holistic, humanitarian-focused care.

Enrolling in the medical humanities minor has had a profound impact on my undergraduate career. In this course of study, I’ve been encouraged to think critically about the involvement of the individual and how numerous factors intertwine together to tell a unique story. My experience in the minor has inspired me to pursue a course of study in public health in conjunction with my medical education. I aspire to apply my knowledge and experiences in a pediatric setting, drawing on the interdisciplinary nature of the minor to understand and connect with my patients to the best of my ability.

Major: Biology
Minor: Medical Humanities

I have always had an inclination for the sciences and have found them most interesting. I always thought that I wanted to be a physician one day but it wasn’t until second semester of freshman year that I was certain. In the introductory biology course, Professor Taghian truly opened my eyes to the wonders of biology. I am fascinated by the intricacies of the field and the their impact on the world. This impact is no better understood than through this minor. I knew since first semester freshman year that I wanted to hold this minor. The focus on public health and health disparities fascinated me, as did the potential to take riveting courses such as HIV/AIDS and Ethics with Professor Jim Keenan SJ, as I am senior year.

The science always interested me but it also was the introduction to Medical Humanities course taught by Professor Boesky that allowed me to utilize my love for biology and the sciences and focus it on real people. Her course taught me to think deeply and critically about disparities in health and health care and how we can challenge harmful views. Class discussions regarding vaccinations, cancer, and debilitating illnesses allowed me to focus on a subset of biology that I would not usually be exposed to in the general Biology B.S. requirements.

In addition, I am an EMT on campus and this experience has provided me with yet another lens through which to look at medicine and the access to it. This job has offered first-hand experience to recognize those borders and general disparities that we talked about only three years ago in our introductory course.

Boston College, with its famed Jesuit ideals, are enough to provide its students with a worldly and diverse outlook. However, this minor affords those who embark on it with an experience that transforms viewpoints and opens minds to how healthcare operates through testimonials, memoirs, film, and discussion. As someone who will one day practice medicine as a physician themselves, this minor has provided countless opportunities for me to view patients through a more holistic lens.

Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Medical Humanities

Ever since my anatomy and physiology class as a sophomore in high school, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in clinical treatment. However, I felt my personality and strengths didn’t fit that of a doctor, which is how I came to pharmacy. 

From there, my interest in health and the human body and mind grew. Unfortunately, the technical, hard science of prerequisites like chemistry and physics can become quite boring—you could argue what you learn in those classes forces you to separate the human from the science of healthcare, which I don’t much care for. That is how I came to make two decisions to begin building my identity as a woman in medicine: 1) switching from Biology to a Neuroscience major to really dive deep into the inner workings of the human brain, and 2) to engage my interest in a more ethical, well-rounded perspective of clinical care through the Medical Humanities minor.

What I have loved most about this minor is that it introduced me to the massive field of public health. Having taken both Public Health in a Global Society and Contemporary Issues in Public Health, my eyes were opened to an entirely new, more broad perspective of health, and how much of individual health comes down to environment and community accountability. I also thoroughly enjoyed my Introduction to Medical Humanities course with Amy Boesky. I used to love English and writing in high school, and being able to read books and discuss them with a focus on medicine and ethics is something I am wholly grateful for at such a competitive school.

With so many pre-medical and pre-health students that need the reminder that patient care goes beyond just treating a physical ailment and moving on, this minor is a chance to think more critically about the meaning of healthcare and medicine, and what it truly means to be a good doctor, nurse, pharmacist, etc.

Major: Nursing
Minor: Medical Humanities

At BC, I am involved in 4Boston, the Medical Humanities Journal of Boston College, Freshman Nursing Seminar, the Education Policy Committee, and the Muslim Student Association. My experience at Boston College overall has been incredibly formative. I am fortunate to have found a career that embodies my beliefs and that is a veritable amalgam of everything I value. The extensive knowledge and the emotional strain that the profession carries can be overwhelming at times, and can instill inevitable feelings of doubt. The Medical Humanities, through its focus on meaning rather than on measure, has continuously reaffirmed my decision to pursue nursing. It has deepened my understanding of the nursing role, and has strengthened my commitment to it.

My freshman year, I enrolled in Professor Boesky’s Reading and Writing Health, Illness, and Disability literature class. The course introduced me to different mechanisms of pain, dynamics and power balances within the healthcare system, and individual patient experiences. I instantly fell in love with the class, and genuinely started to feel passionate about the various topics we covered. The following semester, I took Introduction to Medical Humanities, which worked to fortify my newfound enthusiasm.

Due to my simultaneous interests in literature, mathematics, and science, I have always been inclined to think in interdisciplinary ways. Medical Humanities has helped me articulate such thoughts and apply them in palpably in my life. The minor has allowed me to make sense of my surroundings and my innermost feelings, and has encouraged me to be more attune to the individual experiences of others through empathy. The cohort within the minor is very important to me as well, because through our common interests, we are able to see great value in the role of humanities with large social justice issues. Coupled with my Nursing major, my minor has empowered me to actively approach medicine holistically, and to be mindful of the right balance between cure and care for my future patients.

Some believe that acts of kindness do not make a difference in a world in which man has already reached the moon. My conception is that in a world in which making huge steps has become so easy, it is the little ones we make that end up being the most precious ones. Medical Humanities continues to help me identify my values, and helps me manifest them in a meaningful way. By prompting me to extend myself to others, it contributes to the philosophy of Magis and to the application of aspiration and inspiration in my daily life.

Major: Biology
Minor: Medical Humanities and a concentration in Global Public Health.

Coming into BC, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the health professions so I became a biology major to obtain a deeper education in the sciences and to fulfill the pre-health course requirements. But I soon realized that I wasn't just interested in the pathophysiology behind a disease, but also in the art of treating a patient and interacting with them. As such, I declared a minor in Medical Humanities, which has allowed me to see how healthcare involves holistic treatment of the patient physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

The courses I have taken in the Medical Humanities minor, such as Public Health in a Global Society and Contemporary Issues in Public Health, have provided me with an extensive view of medicine and public health, with a focus on social justice and reducing health disparities for marginalized populations. Learning about public health through a global lens has truly broadened my perspective of medicine and clinical research, which has made me all the more passionate about pursuing a career in healthcare.

The minor really sparked my interest and passion in addressing healthcare disparities and how our society needs to work at the policy level to increase health equity for all. Because of my overall experience at BC and with the Medical Humanities minor, my end goal now is to practice medicine as a Physician Assistant, specifically serving socioeconomically disadvantaged populations such as low-income families, ethnic minority individuals, and the homeless.

The valuable insight on the patient care experience that I have received through the Medical Humanities minor has directly translated to my role as a Patient Access Ambassador at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH). In this role, I learn about the behind-the-scenes operations of the hospital, while also developing and maintaining meaningful connections with patients. I am often able to have sincere conversations with the patients that I help, in which I can learn from the different life experiences that they tell me about and I am able to share with them what my goals for the future are. I believe that this activity has allowed me to have the greatest impact on others because I can truly see the genuine gratitude and appreciation that patients express after helping them. For each patient that I help, I am able to relate to and connect with their story in some way, which allows me to recognize the importance of community service. If not for my experience with Medical Humanities, I’m not sure if I would be able to connect with patients in such a humane and vulnerable way.

Volunteering at BWH provides me with a sense of purpose since I know that I can make a difference in someone else's life just by having a sincere and genuine conversation with them. Upon reflection, I feel as though Medical Humanities overall has taught me how to be a more compassionate and understanding person, and I know I will be able to use the experience I gained from this program in the future, both in and out of the clinic.

Major: Biology
Minor: Medical Humanities with a pre-medical concentration

I have always been fascinated by science and the medical field, ever since I was young, and as I got older, I started to realize the many different parts that add up to make these disciplines so complex.

Freshman year, I decided to compliment the hard sciences of chemistry and biology with a complex problems course on human rights, and I was fascinated by the way we learned about health in this non-natural science environment. With this course in mind, I decided to apply for the Medical Humanities minor and was very excited about the wide variety of classes we could take, from English to Psychology to Theology.

When I took the Introduction to Medical Humanities course with Professor Tanner, I knew I made the right choice. We learned, not just with insightful pieces of writing, but also films, music, and other media, challenging us to engage with the material from many different angles and understand the holistic side of healthcare.

She taught us that the body is only one part of medicine, and that in order to successfully address illness, disability, relationships, and other aspects of healthcare, it is necessary to consider all aspects of humanity.

This minor forces students to open their minds to consider one topic through many different lenses, creating a more comprehensive picture. It has taught me to not only analyze healthcare through this approach, but also to think about how these skills can be applied to many issues in this world. I hope to use what this minor has taught me and my increased passion for the many faces of medicine to be a better physician and person.

Major: Psychology on the pre medical track.
Minor: Medical Humanities

During my first semester at BC, I took an Enduring Questions course on disability. The class was taught by an English professor and a Lynch professor and explored disability-related topics from a literary and a psychological perspective. Discussing topics with strong medical and scientific backgrounds from a humanities perspective completely changed my outlook on medicine. 

During this course, I listened to speakers who have children with disabilities tell their stories and noticed some important trends concerning patient care. First, doctors who were able to engage with their patients with disabilities tended to earn higher levels of trust and have better outcomes. Second, the ability to see the patient as a person first above the science behind conditions and diagnoses often separates a good doctor from a great one.

I had already decided I want to pursue medical school after volunteering at my local children’s hospital throughout high school, and my experience with the Enduring Questions course led me to apply to the medical humanities minor. I wanted to take more classes that force me out of my comfort zone and explore challenging questions in healthcare from an interdisciplinary perspective. I also began volunteering at the Campus School to further develop my passions for the disability community.

In my time since choosing the minor, I’ve had the opportunity to take courses such as Disability Studies with the same professor I took my Enduring Questions class with, Victimology, and Introduction to Psychopathology that have helped me develop into a better advocate and grapple with complex questions in the medical field. As my time to apply to medical school draws close, I am grateful for the opportunities this minor has given me. I aspire to carry the skills I have learned into my future as a healthcare provider and become the kind of compassionate, patient-centered doctor that I learned about as a freshman.

Major: Biology
Minor: Medical Humanities with a pre-medical concentration

Ever since I was young, I have been fascinated with biology and medicine. During my first semester at Boston College, I enrolled in a 1 credit topic seminar taught by Dean Clare Dunsford called The Body in Sickness and in Health. In this course, we explored various representations of illness and disease in literature. This course showed me how we as a society perceive and understand others’ portrayals of illness. I became fascinated with the material and sought out other classes that would allow me to explore this topic further. Dean Dunsford recommended that I apply to be a Medical Humanities minor.

The first class I took as a Medical Humanities minor was Professor Boesky’s Introduction to Medical Humanities. This course challenged me to think critically about the ways we as a society respond to disparities in health and how we can challenge our society’s view and treatment of those who suffer from illness.

Through this addition to my education, I have been able to explore courses that are not usually considered part of a Biology major curriculum. As a future physician, I will be able to use the skills and competencies I have gained from being a Medical Humanities minor to provide more holistic care to my patients. Through the unique lens of patient care that this minor has and continues to provide, I know I will be a better physician and a better friend, colleague, and citizen.

Major: Biology
Minor: Medical Humanities on the pre-med track.

I plan on applying to medical school this year, and I aspire to be a pediatrician. I chose to minor in Medical Humanities because I was interested in learning all aspects of healthcare during my college years, not just the hard sciences that would be required for medical school. The Medical Humanities minor seemed like a way to explore healthcare in a more well-rounded way, and it did not disappoint. Each course I have taken for the minor has shown me a new perspective on healthcare that will enable me to treat my whole patient in the future, not just their disease or problem.

For example, my Women and the Body class taught me so much about the particular struggles of being a woman, especially from an intersectional perspective, that will enable me to better understand and sympathize with the young women I will have one day as patients. Another class that stands out is my Introduction to Medical Humanities course, which emphasized concepts such as cultural differences, the struggle of aging, the impacts on family members and caregivers, and the frustrations of patients that cannot receive a diagnosis. All of these themes taught me valuable lessons that I will always have in the back of my mind when caring for patients. 

Overall, I love this minor because it has allowed me to learn about the lives and experiences of patients outside of the doctor's office or hospital. It has made me more aware of what my patients could be going through simply as fellow humans in our society in a way that will ensure that I always treat my patients as the whole humans they are. I have already noticed this in my clinical experiences as a Medical Assistant and a hospital volunteer, and I know I will continue to implement everything I have learned in my future as a healthcare professional. 

Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Medical Humanities

When I first came to college, I was an undecided major who had no idea where my career path would take me. I knew I enjoyed science classes, but I could never imagine myself as a typical doctor. During my freshman year, I took an introductory public health class and loved how it was a different approach to healthcare. Through the Medical Humanities minor, I have been able to pursue my interest in public health, while also taking interesting classes from various other departments.

What I love most about the Medical Humanities minor is the well-rounded approach to clinical care. The Introduction to Medical Humanities course with Professor Amy Boesky opened my eyes to different perspectives of health and healthcare. The course incorporated the point of view of patients, clinicians, family members, and more. We were able to deep dive into the impact of a diagnosis and the importance of empathy in healthcare. 

As my advanced elective for the minor, I am currently taking a course called Clinical Fieldwork in Psychology. A unique feature of this class is that I go to a field placement for 8 hours a week in a clinical setting of my choice. I hope to become a clinical neuropsychologist one day so I have been lucky enough to work at the Neuropsychological Assessment Clinic as my field placement. Through this experience, I have been involved in clinical interviews and testing for patients with a variety of cognitive concerns. The Medical Humanities minor has given me the support and guidance to pursue my interests, while also providing a unique perspective that I can apply to my professional and personal life. 

Major: Biology, pre-med
Minor: Medical Humanities

At Boston College, I am involved in BC EMS, an on-campus emergency medical service, as well as 4 Boston, where I volunteer at Saint Franciscan Children’s Hospital. Ever since I was a kid, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in medicine. I value the impact that physicians have on the lives of millions of people and how they are with patients during their darkest moments. I joined the medical humanities minor because I wanted to learn beyond coursework in the sciences; I was looking for classes, which could expose me to the ethical and public health issues that exist in our world. In addition, I was drawn to the humanistic perspective of health care that this minor provided and therefore quickly found myself very interested in the variety of courses offered.

When looking back on my academic career at Boston College, some of the most enriching courses that I have taken have been within the medical humanities minor. In particular, one of my favorite courses was called Public Health in a Global Society. This course was exceptionally powerful because it was co-taught by two very knowledgeable public health professionals. Professor Kodish and Professor Hawkins made the class very interesting by tying in their experiences in global health into our lectures. In addition, we often had guest lecturers such as epidemiologists and environmental scientists who came in and talked to us about the various public health issues currently going on and how they are going about in trying to solve them. This course sparked my interest in public health and has made me more aware of the various global health disparities that exist.

The coursework within the minor and its central mission, which is to care for the whole person in a holistic and empathetic manner, has proven to be instrumental in my patient care experiences as an EMT as well as a hospital volunteer. The medical humanities minor has definitely been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my BC education, as the lessons and experiences that I have had as a result of the minor have solidified my desire to attend medical school and become a caring, empathetic, and impactful physician.