Refining the Eye: Dermatology and Visual Literacy

Abstract

In 2014 the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and Harvard Medical School began a partnership focused on building visual literacy skills for dermatology residents in the Harvard Combined Dermatology Residency Program. Refining the Eye: Art and Dermatology, a four session workshop, took place in the museum’s galleries and utilized the Visual Thinking Strategies framework along with other visual training exercises. The week before the course commenced, participants took a one hour pre-test composed of the following: two medical images of dermatologic conditions, two art images, Communication Skills Attitudes Scale, and Budner’s Tolerance of Ambiguity Scale. After completion of the course, participants took a one hour post-test composed of previously stated items. Results of these tests were compared to determine changes in observational skills, communication skills, and tolerance of ambiguity. A survey addressing their attitudes towards the course was also completed by the participants.