Impact of Humanities on Medical Education The Turku Experience Riitta Pyykkö Professor of Russian Language and Culture University of Turku

2002 Asklepios Man, health and culture

before that curricula reform at the faculty of medicine need for more compact optional studies need for a multidisciplinary approach

Goals of the programme dialogue between the students of medicine and humanities clarification of differences and similarities between medical and humanistic research of man a critical approach to different understandings of human health

The structure of Asklepios I two years ECTS students of medicine: as an option students of humanities: as a minor in BA or MA

Four modules - health from social, economical, political and ideological point of view -historical and cultural engagements of concepts of health and illness -healing and art -health and illness at different stages of life

Forms of study lectures, seminars, discussion groups films, theatre, art exhibitions study diaries, essays

Feedback mostly positive: broader views, multidisciplinary approach, widening of academic culture long working days two years programme too long too much essay writing

2004: Asklepios II one year programme (15-20 ECTS) same themes smaller modules

2005: Asklepios III structure as in Asklepios II less essay writing, more study diaries new forms of assessment, e.g. seminar discussion new groups: faculty of education, open university