Archived: The Golda Edinburg Memorial Lecture-"The Art of Perception: Rethinking How We See"

The Art of Perception (www.artfulperception.com) is a humanities based seminar for medical professionals that is designed to enhance observation, perception, and communication skills by learning to analyze works of art.  The collaborative program was developed in 2001 at The Frick Collection in New York City to help medical students improve their observation and communication skills with patients.  Since then, the program has been tailored not only to focus on interprofessional education but also to address those skills that are critical to effective practice and research in an increasingly technical environment: cultural competency, understanding of changing patient conditions, perceptual empathy and interdisciplinary communication. Art and photography are used to address and discuss assumptions, preconceived biases, and related ethical issues with medical colleagues, patients, and families. Facilitating effective communication in sensitive and emergency situations is especially timely and provides the foundation for this highly interactive program.

1. Rethink observation and perception skills and how precisely and objectively we communicate in a variety of medical scenarios
2. Reconsider the use of assumptions in professional judgment
3. Confront cognitive bias and understand how it affects complex decision making

Amy E. Herman, JD, MA

President, The Art of Perception