medhum.org

A Lens on Human Experience

Cultivating empathy & critical thinking in health, culture & the arts

A Lens on Human Experience ➔

Cultivating empathy & critical thinking in health, culture & the arts

Second Life by Amanda Hess

A powerful blend of memoir and critique, Amanda Hess examines pregnancy, technology, and parenting amid modern medicine’s promises and digital noise.

American Sirens By Kevin Hazzard

Carol Schilling09.03.25

Kevin Hazzard’s American Sirens illuminates Freedom House paramedics’ pivotal role in medical history, racial justice, and emergency care innovation.

Musee des Beaux Arts by W. H. Auden

Felice Aull08.26.25

This poem reveals how human suffering unfolds quietly, unnoticed, while ordinary life continues its daily rhythms, indifferent to personal catastrophe.

Forspoken – A Tale of Chronic Trauma

Dustin Brinker08.19.25

Forspoken blends role-playing, action, and open-world gameplay to tell a magical yet deeply human story about chronic trauma and healing.

Inside The Pitt: Medicine Meets Drama

Dave Hsu09.03.25

A deep-dive podcast exploring The Pit, a gripping medical drama, its realism, emotional impact, and lessons for medicine and humanity.

Biblioscopy: A Glimpse of What I’m Currently Reading

Tony Miksanek08.04.25

Three striking new books explore the intersections of medicine, mortality, and meaning—from spiritual rituals to pandemic survival and quiet grief.

Reader Insights ➔

Rano Mal Piryani on A Tale of Two Museums
I compliment Dr. Unni for his practical interest in art and photography and managing two state of art museums. I…
Lynda on One Patient, Two Systems
If one needed to balance the advantages and disadvantages between two countries’ healthcare, it truly is two different medical systems.…

MedHum.org is an incubator to nourish new ideas and to foster discussion of complex issues in a collegial, humane, and open space. The effort requires funds to sustain the website and ensure that it represents a state-of the-art forum to promote conversation. Please consider Making a Tax-Deductible Donation to enable our activity to reach the widest audience and have the greatest impact.

Reviews ➔

Mental Cases by Wilfred Owen

Carol Donley08.11.25

Owen’s stark poem portrays shell-shocked soldiers haunted by war, exposing both their torment and society’s complicity in their suffering.

The Knick of Time

Russell Teagarden08.05.25

A gripping period medical drama, The Knick reveals past medical triumphs and terrors—urging reflection on today’s healthcare practices and ethics.

Regeneration by Pat Barker

Jacalyn Duffin07.22.25

A powerful antiwar novel exploring trauma, identity, and the psychological toll of combat on soldiers and those who treat them.

Interviews ➔

Interview with Andre Mangham

Sebastian Galbo06.02.25

Andrew Mangham explores how Victorian literature, medicine, and political economy intersected to shape powerful narratives about hunger and poverty.

Julie Ridge : Bipolar & The English Channel

Guy Glass03.05.25

Julie Ridge’s one-woman show Bipolar & The English Channel explores her journey as a record-breaking swimmer and living with bipolar disorder.

Interview with  Darrel Manitowabi

Jacalyn Duffin02.03.25

Canadian anthropologist Darrel Manitowabi, PhD, explores Indigenous healing traditions through “Indigenous Medicine Stories,” blending academic and community perspectives at NOSM University.

Interview with Alan Blum

Jack Coulehan10.24.24

The battle against smoking evolved from awareness campaigns to challenging a profit-driven industry, using humor, irony, and persistent activism to drive cultural change.