Ann Van de Velde

Integrating the visual arts into the medical curriculum in Antwerp

Ann Van de Velde

University of Antwerp, Belgium

ann.vandevelde@uza.be

Tom Quisenaerts

University of Antwerp, Belgium

Ingri Dahi

University of Antwerp, Belgium

Yuki Dejonckheere

University of Antwerp, Belgium

Pascale Pollier

St. Lucas Art School, Ghent

Johan Devrome

Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp

Joachim Deblock

Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp

Francis Van Glabbeek

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp

Background: Integrating the visual arts into the medical curriculum has shown significant advantages, including enhanced visual comprehension, improved observational skills, and increased empathy. Engaging in artistic activities, such as drawing, activates distinct neural pathways, which improves shape recognition and information retention. Research shows that collaborative efforts between medical professionals and artists can deepen anatomical understanding. Further investigation is needed to clarify how these artistic components can enhance medical students' comprehension and memorization of anatomical knowledge.

Methods: In this qualitative study, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted to gather insights from medical students about the integration of art into their education, particularly in anatomical learning. The participant group included medical students from their first to third bachelor years at the University of Antwerp in Belgium, purposively sampled for individual interviews that used a structured topic list and images from notable anatomical books, including Vesalius’s De Humani Corporis Fabrica, Gray’s Anatomy, and Prometheus Atlas.

Results: Data analysis, employing a grounded theory approach, revealed four emergent codes: medium-related factors, student-related factors, teacher-related factors, and interactions. Findings showed a preference for modern anatomical illustrations and emphasized the importance of diverse resources and teaching methods.

Conclusion: This study highlights the significance of diversity and flexibility in transferring anatomical knowledge through art within the medical curriculum. Practical and active learning techniques, such as hands-on laboratories and anatomical drawing, serve as invaluable supplements to traditional theoretical education. The necessity of integrating art into medical training is underscored by recent literature advocating for a holistic approach to medical education. Continuous evolution of the medical curriculum is vital to refine the transfer of knowledge, and this research shows that art integration can play a significant role in this process.

Reference

Quisenaerts T, Dejonckheere Y, Dahi I, Van Glabbeek F, Pollier P, Van Rafelghem B, et al. The Importance of Integrating the Visual Arts into the Medical Curriculum. In: Roughley M, editor. Approaches for Science Illustration and Communication. Springer Nature; 2023. p.1-25.

BIOGRAPHIES

Ann Van de Velde, born in Belgium in 1968, has built a career that combines medicine and art. After earning both a Medical Degree and a Degree in Graphic Arts, she specialized in Hematology and obtained her PhD in Medicine and Health Sciences. Her dedication to interdisciplinary research in international health care has led her to publications in peer-reviewed journals and attending global workshops. Currently, Ann is the Head of Clinic and Medical Director of the Stem Cell Collection Unit at Antwerp University Hospital, where she brings her dual expertise to clinical practice. She is a guest lecturer at the University of Antwerp, teaching courses on the intersection of art and the history of care in healthcare education. As Chair of the Association Européenne des Illustrateurs Médicaux et Scientifiques (AEIMS) and a key figure in Biological and Medical Art in Belgium (BIOMAB), she advocates for integrating art into medical education. Ann’s initiatives, including her work with the triennial Vesalius Continuum conferences and patient-centered art projects, underscore her belief that drawing and visual art improve observational skills, empathy, and scientific insight, enriching clinical training and the quality of care.

Tom Quisenaerts, is a resident in Plastic surgery and PhD-researcher at the University of Antwerp. In his research he is investigating the impact of radiotherapy timing on the results of breast reconstruction in patients with breast cancer (PRADAIIBE trial), as well as the effects of radiotherapy on the tumour micro-environment. He is also active in research concerning the interplay between medicine, the arts and medical humanities, which is embodied by his participation in Biological and Medical Art in Belgium (BIOMAB) through dissection drawing sessions, guidance of medical students theses, and writing publications on this topic.

Babette Van Rafelghem is a forensic pathologist and visual artist. She studied medicine in Ghent and specialized in forensic medicine in Antwerp, graduating in 2023. Her career in medicine and her artistic pursuits are closely linked, with her interest in anatomy driving her decision to study medicine. During her studies, she focused on anatomical illustrations, depicting surgical procedures and the structure of human and animal skeletons. As she moved into forensic medicine, her artwork continued along the same path, allowing her to explore both fields in a complementary way.

Yuki Dejonckheere & Ingri Dahi graduated in Medicine from the University of Antwerp. Passionate about the intersection of art and science, they explore how creativity shapes medical education and practice. Their interests include medical education and the history of medicine.

Johan Devrome (born 1966) is a Belgian graphic designer, illustrator, and draughtsman. Since 1993, he has built a career that blends artistic creativity with technical precision. In 2003, he became a lecturer at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, where he teaches editorial design, image design, and model drawing. As coordinator of the model drawing department, he plays a key role in shaping the academy’s approach to figure drawing. His commitment to education extends beyond teaching, as he actively contributes to the institution’s governance. He is a member of the Council of the Schools of Art, where he helps shape the strategic direction of art education. Additionally, as chairman of the Staff Consultative Committee, he represents faculty interests, fostering a strong dialogue between staff and administration. Through his dual roles as an artist and educator, he continues to bridge the gap between practice and pedagogy. His dedication to visual storytelling and academic excellence has left a lasting impact on both his students and the broader artistic community, shaping the next generation of designers and illustrators.

Pascale Pollier is a Belgian fine artist and medical illustrator whose work bridges art, science, and philosophy. She studied fine art and painting at St. Lucas Art School in Ghent before completing postgraduate training with the Medical Artists Association in London. As co-founder and former president of BIOMAB (Biological and Medical Art in Belgium), she now serves as a scientific advisor for its study program, ARS – Art Researches Science, curating exhibitions, organizing dissection drawing classes, and leading interdisciplinary art-science projects, including the Vesalius Continuum triennial conferences since 2014. In 2015, she co-founded and became president of ARSIC (Art Researches Science International Collaborations), fostering global connections between artists, scientists, and philosophers. From 2007 to 2018, Pascale worked as an artistic assistant to Belgian artist Jan Fabre, contributing to exhibitions at the Louvre, the Venice Biennale, and major international art institutions. She has also served as an external examiner for medical and scientific art programs in Dundee and Liverpool. Past president of AEIMS (2014–2020) and former chair of the Medical Artists Association of Great Britain (2021–2022), Pascale continues her work as a self-employed artist and sculptor under Artem Medicalis, dividing her time between Liverpool and London.

Joachim De Block (Lommel, °09/05/1980) is a lecturer in ‘Anatomy & Anatomical Drawing’ at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp. As a visual artist, he explores the meaning that emerges in in-between spaces, focusing on the tension between the ‘physical image’ and its ‘linguistic interpretation.’ His multidisciplinary practice includes sculptures, drawings, collages, and sound installations. Within the studio context, De Block works from the conviction that art can (and should) be an intuitive field, free from strategy and direct meaning. His approach is rooted in ‘art-practice’ rather than in the pursuit of a fixed idea or inspiration.

Francis Van Glabbeek is a professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Antwerp and an independent academic staff member at the Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy, and Research Center. He is also an orthopedic surgeon and Assistant Head of the Orthopedics and Trauma Department at Antwerp University Hospital, specializing in the upper limb. Within the Faculty of Medicine, he oversees musculoskeletal anatomy and the history of medicine. He holds several internal mandates, serving as an expert panel member and exam committee member for the Postgraduate Program in Musculoskeletal Therapy, in addition to being an active board member in various educational committees, including the Bachelor-Master Medicine Education Committee, the Postgraduate Musculoskeletal Therapy Education Committee, and the REVAKI Education Committee. Prof. Van Glabbeek is also president of BIOMAB (Biological and Medical Art in Belgium), a University of Antwerp research project that integrates art into the medical curriculum. He actively promotes interdisciplinary research and teaches anatomy, while also performing dissections for artists at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. Beyond academia, he is a passionate collector of historical medical books, particularly the works of Andreas Vesalius, preserving the rich heritage of medicine for future generations.