up next Steve Langan
Steve Langan
the need for art in medicine
UNO's Medical Humanities Program Makes a Positive Impact on Patients and Physicians
January 2020
"When we seek medical care, we aren't just a patient, diagnosis or problem to be solved. We each have our own complex blend of personal history, cultural teachings, religious practices, hopes, fears and all the other things that make us uniquely human."
As the director of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Medical Humanities program, Steven Langan, M.F.A, knows there’s a need for art in medicine. The growing field encourages students and professionals to dedicate just as much time to fostering creative expression and critical reflection as they do learning about the body or chemical compounds.
When you take a fresh look at medicine through the lens of the humanities, you’ll find an opportunity to help medical professionals and patients alike. A 2019 study found that the United States healthcare system loses $4.6 billion a year due to physician burnout; an earlier study also found that more than half of all physicians have reported experiencing burnout symptoms.
"While we would never say that medical humanities study and practice alone can prevent burnout, we know it has value as a mitigating force," Langan says.
More than 150 students are currently enrolled in the medical humanities program, which is jointly housed in the College of Arts and Sciences and College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media—and Langan expects that number to rise in the years to come. The program is already making an impact on the community since it began in 2015.
Faculty and students at UNO have participated in a number of workshops, including one where blind and visually impaired artists produce gallery shows, and another to perform music for guests and patients at Nebraska Medicine’s Buffett Cancer Center. The Buffett Cancer Center is already on the leading edge of integrating art with healing—just look at the Chihuly Sanctuary and Leslie’s Healing Garden.
“We are poised to make Nebraska a leader in what that future looks like.”
This type of outside-the-box care for Nebraskans is only possible with a healthy university and ongoing financial support from the state. Because when programs like this are allowed to thrive, they can help improve an entire industry and put Nebraska on the map.
As Langan puts it, "We need to put fresh eyes on healthcare in America, and who better than our artists, our humanities scholars, and our social scientists? We are poised to make Nebraska a leader in what that future looks like."
Pictured in the header photo: Steve Langan, M.F.A., is director of UNO's Medical Humanities program, which encourages the marriage of creative expression with medical science. In just five years, the program has seen more than 150 students enroll to pursue medical humanities as a major or minor.
Discover our Podcast Series
The “Leading Nebraska” podcast shares the stories of the researchers, students, teachers and others across the University of Nebraska's four campuses who are making an impact. From teachers and doctors to engineers and ag experts, these Nebraska leaders are touching lives and making a difference.
Sorry, no stories match your filters.
Please adjust your filters above to view more stories.
Find Your Nebraska State Senator
Get started by entering your address below. Next, you'll receive information on who your senator is—and how to reach him or her.
Making a call only takes a few minutes and sends a strong message to your state senator. Your senator may not be able to take the call, but you can speak to the legislative aide who works for the senator. They will log your call, take a message and pass it on. Keep your conversation brief, and be sure to cover these essential points:
- Introduce yourself as a constituent in their district and provide your name.
- Be clear that you're calling about your support for the University of Nebraska System.
- Share your story about how the University has impacted you or your family. A personal story is hard to ignore. Explain why it's important to you that your senator invests in the University of Nebraska. Again, keep it brief and to-the-point.
- Ask for your opinion to be noted. Politely finish the call by thanking the senator or legislative aide for their time.
Send an Email
Sending a written message to your state senator is an easy way to engage your representative. They're more concise and easier to respond to, and they're more likely to be viewed by the senator. If you can, send a personalized message with these essential points. Keep your message brief (a paragraph or so).
- Write a personal, attention-getting subject line that lets the senator know your topic— "Investing in the University of Nebraska System" or "Supporting the University of Nebraska System"
- Introduce yourself as a constituent in their district; provide your name.
- Be clear that you're writing about your support for the University of Nebraska System
- Share your personal story about how the University has impacted you or your family. Explain why it's important to you that your senator invests in the University of Nebraska. Again, keep it brief and to-the-point.
- Ask if your senator will support the University moving forward.
- Indicate that you'd appreciate a reply and thank your senator for their time.
You Just Made a Difference
Keep making a difference by becoming an NU Advocate. As an Advocate, you'll receive communications about important issues and legislative bills concerning the University of Nebraska—and you'll be the first to hear about upcoming advocacy events. And, we'll let you know when you need to raise your voice again.
COOKIE USAGE:
The University of Nebraska System uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By clicking "I Agree" and/or continuing to use this website without adjusting your browser settings, you accept the use of cookies.