Research
The Edward D. Viner Center for Humanism transforms research into practice—our faculty design projects to deepen understanding of how to educate and support humanistic clinicians. We build transdisciplinary teams that leverage our collective expertise in ethnography, mixed methods, oral history, archival research, statistics, and surveys. Together we tackle some of the most pressing problems facing medical professionals and trainees.
Our projects ask and provide new perspectives on questions like:
- What factors shape clerkship learning environments and student success?
- Does bioethics coursework impact professional identity formation?
- How can practices from the social sciences and humanities improve communication and relationships in healthcare teams?
- Can oral history techniques improve clinical communication skills?
- What factors improve physician well being and job satisfaction?
Advisory Work
In addition to designing, directing, and publishing studies, the faculty in the Edward D. Viner Center for Humanism collaborates with colleagues, trainees, and students on emerging research and policy projects.
Some recent projects include:
- Scoping review of ethics in outpatient care
- Needs and experiences of Latinx patients around diabetes care
- Ethics in ICU, DNR placements, and end of life discussions
- Improving End of Life Care
- Drafting climate health legislation
- Race in clinical algorithms
Process
Our process builds on the strength of multi-disciplinary teams. We begin by listening to, and learning about, issues that medical practitioners and students face. We ask questions that facilitate discussion. This enables us to design research questions and plans of study that not only advance knowledge but result in creative solutions.
Our research provides reflective space for medical students, clinicians, and others to gain insight into their work and learning. We share our findings with medical teams so they can understand the underlying processes that shape clinical care. We assist in translating knowledge into opportunities for change. Our collaborations are creating environments where humanistic practices and care providers can thrive.