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

A Missing Genre: Video Games in the Health Humanities

Video games offer powerful narratives and emotional depth—it’s time health humanities embraced them as meaningful, transformative cultural texts.

Frances Oldham Kelsey, the FDA, and the Battle Against Thalidomide by Cheryl Krasnick Warsh

Jacalyn Duffin04.08.25

A gripping biography revealing the life of a fearless scientist who challenged authority and reshaped drug safety in modern medicine.

The Empusium by Olga Tokarczuk

Steven Field03.24.25

A Gothic, feminist horror novel blending folklore, philosophy, and suspense in a tuberculosis sanatorium before World War I.

Dangerous Medicine by Sydney A. Halpern

Jack Coulehan03.12.25

A gripping account of America’s unethical hepatitis experiments, exposing decades of human trials on vulnerable populations despite ethical standards.

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…

Podcasts ➔

The Remarkable Life of Ibelin

Dave Hsu04.17.25

A poignant documentary exploring how a young man with muscular dystrophy found profound connection and purpose in virtual worlds.

The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Dave Hsu03.14.25

Two book lovers dive into The Emperor of All Maladies, exploring its impact on medicine and storytelling.

MedHum.org is proud to be a fiscally sponsored project of the New York Foundation for the Arts, making your donations fully tax-deductible as allowed by law. By supporting us, you help amplify vital voices and expand our impact, fostering a deeper understanding of healthcare through the lens of literature and the arts.

Reviews ➔

Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck

Howard Trachtman02.21.25

A haunting, claustrophobic novel exploring obsession, power, and control against the oppressive backdrop of East Germany’s final years.

The Room Next Door by Pedro Almodóvar

Russell Teagarden02.20.25

A film exploring the complexities of friendship, trust, and the emotional journey surrounding the decision to end a life.

Still Healing by Rosalind Kaplan

Guy Glass02.13.25

A heartfelt collection of essays reflecting on the struggles, healing, and resilience of a doctor navigating systemic challenges.

Sam Kissajukian: 300 Paintings

Guy Glass01.24.25

A powerful show combining comedy, visual art, and mental health awareness, offering a unique glimpse into the experience of bipolar disorder.

The Magician: A Novel by Colm Tóibín

Howard Trachtman01.22.25

Thomas Mann’s journey through genius, identity, and moral dilemmas, capturing the intimate struggles of art and life in turbulent times.

Interviews ➔

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.

Interview with the Uber-Talented Unnikrishnan Pulikkal, MD

Ravi Shankar08.06.24

Dr. Unni, a medical practitioner and artist, discussed his rural upbringing, passion for painting and photography, founding PhotoMuse, and balancing art with medicine.

Articles ➔

One Patient, Two Systems

Dave Hsu02.24.25

A Chinese-Canadian patient navigates the complexities of two healthcare systems, balancing speed, cultural familiarity, and medical standards between Canada and China.