The study of literature may help doctors develop better bedside manners  - this is one of the findings of research conducted by undergraduates at Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q).

Second-year pre-medical WCMC-Q students Utsav Nandi and Sabrina Alam have released the conclusions of an Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP).

They made a joint presentation at the college during an evening event at the medical college on November 27, receiving a warm response from faculty, students and Qatar residents.

Their findings have been published in a booklet ‘An Exploration of Literature and Medicine’ funded by a grant from the Qatar National Research Fund and edited by writing seminar lecturer Dr Alan Weber. 

Containing their study analysis and insightful articles from students, faculty and former patients in Qatar the booklet explores the connections between suffering and healing.

The research program ‘An Investigation Into the Possible Beneficial effects of Literature in Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar’ reveals that the first year writing seminars for pre-medical can aid in the development of well-rounded sympathetic doctors.

 “Most (students and faculty members) agreed that it helped doctors develop a greater sensitivity to the different cultures of their patients,” said Mr Nandi.

“It helped doctors develop better communication skills, better writing, organizing and reporting abilities, as well as better bedside manners,” said Ms Alam.

The medical college’s Assistant Professor of family medicine and Director of both Primary Care and the Clinical Skills Centre Dr Mohumud Verjee addressed aspiring doctors following the research presentation.

“Literature has enriched my life, career, ambition, sense of enquiry and provided guidance on ethics,” he said.

Senior Lecturer in English and Coordinator of the First Year Writing Seminars at Weill Cornell, Dr Peter Fortunato presented two of his poems connecting exploring the relationship between doctors and patients. In his speech he emphasized that some of the ideal traits in a doctor include the aesthetic sensibilities of imagination, life experience and personal reflection – qualities fostered by literature.

Report by Jane England