The role of humanism in medical practice and medical education - Anarrative review and bibliometric analysis

In a context marked by clinical complexity and systemic pressures, the integration of the humanities into medical professional education is becoming increasingly relevant. This paper explores, through a narrative review and a bibliometric analysis of the literature (2000-2025, PubMed), the contribut...

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Main Author: Radu-Mihai DUMITRESCU
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: West University of Timisoara 2025-07-01
Series:Revista de Știinţe Educaţiei
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Online Access:https://rse.uvt.ro/pdf/2025/Nr1_update/RSE_2025_1_5.pdf
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author Radu-Mihai DUMITRESCU
author_facet Radu-Mihai DUMITRESCU
author_sort Radu-Mihai DUMITRESCU
collection DOAJ
description In a context marked by clinical complexity and systemic pressures, the integration of the humanities into medical professional education is becoming increasingly relevant. This paper explores, through a narrative review and a bibliometric analysis of the literature (2000-2025, PubMed), the contributions of the humanities to medical education, clinical practice and public health. Findings reveal thematic recurrence around five major areas: narrative medicine and empathy, ethical and moral reasoning, cultural competence, clinical communication and professional well-being. Results show that students exposure to literature, philosophy, arts and social sciences significantly improves empathy, critical reflection, emotional resilience and understanding of the patient experience. The bibliometric analysis also confirmed the coherence and interdependence of these themes, highlighting an emerging core of interdisciplinary research between narrative medicine, clinical ethics and global health. Key recommendations include: the systematic introduction of humanities courses in the medical curriculum, the development of integrated thematic modules throughout clinical training, institutional support for continuing reflective education, and the encouragement of collaboration between medical and humanities disciplines. In conclusion, the humanities provide an essential underpinning for the preparation of competent, empathic and competent medical professionals adapted to contemporary challenges. An integrative educational approach, centred on the human dimensions of practice, is fundamental for a more ethical, equitable and sustainable health system.
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spelling doaj-art-0afb930f5fbe4d419e3677a7129ae5fa2025-08-23T09:15:29ZengWest University of TimisoaraRevista de Știinţe Educaţiei2457-86732025-07-015118511210.35923/JES.2025.1.05The role of humanism in medical practice and medical education - Anarrative review and bibliometric analysisRadu-Mihai DUMITRESCU0Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, University of BucharestIn a context marked by clinical complexity and systemic pressures, the integration of the humanities into medical professional education is becoming increasingly relevant. This paper explores, through a narrative review and a bibliometric analysis of the literature (2000-2025, PubMed), the contributions of the humanities to medical education, clinical practice and public health. Findings reveal thematic recurrence around five major areas: narrative medicine and empathy, ethical and moral reasoning, cultural competence, clinical communication and professional well-being. Results show that students exposure to literature, philosophy, arts and social sciences significantly improves empathy, critical reflection, emotional resilience and understanding of the patient experience. The bibliometric analysis also confirmed the coherence and interdependence of these themes, highlighting an emerging core of interdisciplinary research between narrative medicine, clinical ethics and global health. Key recommendations include: the systematic introduction of humanities courses in the medical curriculum, the development of integrated thematic modules throughout clinical training, institutional support for continuing reflective education, and the encouragement of collaboration between medical and humanities disciplines. In conclusion, the humanities provide an essential underpinning for the preparation of competent, empathic and competent medical professionals adapted to contemporary challenges. An integrative educational approach, centred on the human dimensions of practice, is fundamental for a more ethical, equitable and sustainable health system.https://rse.uvt.ro/pdf/2025/Nr1_update/RSE_2025_1_5.pdfhumanitiesempathynarrative medicineburnoutholistic careprofessionalismmedical educationinterdisciplinaritypatient-centred care
spellingShingle Radu-Mihai DUMITRESCU
The role of humanism in medical practice and medical education - Anarrative review and bibliometric analysis
Revista de Știinţe Educaţiei
humanities
empathy
narrative medicine
burnout
holistic care
professionalism
medical education
interdisciplinarity
patient-centred care
title The role of humanism in medical practice and medical education - Anarrative review and bibliometric analysis
title_full The role of humanism in medical practice and medical education - Anarrative review and bibliometric analysis
title_fullStr The role of humanism in medical practice and medical education - Anarrative review and bibliometric analysis
title_full_unstemmed The role of humanism in medical practice and medical education - Anarrative review and bibliometric analysis
title_short The role of humanism in medical practice and medical education - Anarrative review and bibliometric analysis
title_sort role of humanism in medical practice and medical education anarrative review and bibliometric analysis
topic humanities
empathy
narrative medicine
burnout
holistic care
professionalism
medical education
interdisciplinarity
patient-centred care
url https://rse.uvt.ro/pdf/2025/Nr1_update/RSE_2025_1_5.pdf
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