Humor in medical education
Cartoon Source: Spine & Orthopedic Center
Learners and teachers agree that humor fosters a positive didactic atmosphere.
Interesting clinical cases are the most-used type of humor and are considered adequate by learners.
Cartoon Source: Spine & Orthopedic Center
The lack of humorous material related to the subject is the main challenge cited by teachers.
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Liu YP, Sun L, Wu XF, Yang Y, Zhang CT, Zhou HL, Quan XQ. Use of humor in medical education: a survey of students and teachers at a medical school in China. BMJ Open. 2017 Nov 28;7(11):e018853. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017–018853. PMID: 29187417; PMCID: PMC5719277. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5719277/
Humor plays a significant role in medical education for several reasons:
1. Stress Reduction: Medical education can be intense and demanding. Humor can help alleviate stress, improve morale, and create a more positive learning environment for students, educators, and healthcare professionals.
2. Engagement and Memory Retention: Humorous elements in educational content can increase student engagement and improve information retention. Students who enjoy the learning process are more likely to remember and apply the knowledge effectively.
3. Coping Mechanism: Humor can serve as a coping mechanism for dealing with challenging or emotionally complex topics in medical education. It can help students navigate sensitive subjects and maintain a healthy perspective on the realities of healthcare.
4. Communication Skills: Incorporating humor in medical education can help students develop practical communication skills, including connecting with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals in a relatable and empathetic manner.
5. Team Building: Humor can foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among students and educators, leading to stronger professional relationships and a more supportive learning environment.
It’s important to note that humor in medical education should be used thoughtfully and sensitively, particularly when addressing serious topics or interacting with patients. When used appropriately, humor can enhance the learning experience and contribute to the overall well-being of students and healthcare professionals.
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