抄録
Modern medicine, grounded in science, has contributed significantly to the advancement of diagnosis, treatment, and longevity. However, its development based on Cartesian dualism has led to an overemphasis on the physical body, often neglecting the human aspects of both patients and healthcare providers. Western countries have incorporated medical humanities into medical education to address the complexity and ambiguity of human experiences in healthcare. These efforts include the integration of visual arts and narrative-based approaches to bridge the gap between disease (objective, science-based) and illness (subjective, experience-based). This review explores the limitations of a science-dominated model and discusses recent trends in medical humanities. We also present educational initiatives in Japan, including art-based programs and workshops, as examples of incorporating the humanities into medical education. Finally, the future perspective of art in health care is considered, emphasizing its potential to re-humanize medical practice and cultivate physicians capable of engaging with patients as whole persons.