Therapeutic Art Lessons Introduced at UKZN’s Medical School

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The Dean and Head of UKZN’s School of Clinical Medicine, Professor Ncoza Dlova, took her seat as a student at the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine’s exam hall after launching the first in a series of deeply relaxing art classes - targeted at students - aimed at alleviating stress emanating from the academic demands of the Medical curriculum.

A brainchild of fourth-year Medical student Mr Luthando Zulu, who is a visual and vocal artist, the inaugural art class was attended by first- to final-year Medical students, professional services staff and academics including, neurologist, Dr Vinod Patel, who lauded Zulu and Dlova for introducing a significant initiative to decrease stress levels among staff and students.

Patel said stress was a response to the environment around individuals, and that was why the art lessons were a perfect outlet for Medical students, providing catharsis and striking a balance between usage of the left and the right brain.

The vivid pallets, variety of paintbrushes, neat aprons and learning about the magic of mixing primary with secondary and tertiary colours, were accompanied by soothing melodies, including Beethoven compositions, played by the multi-talented sports fanatic, singer, bass guitarist and pianist, final-year Medical student, Mr Tyrell Pillay.

The class created a space for participants to not only get their creative juices flowing but also sparked much-needed relaxation and camaraderie, while new friendships were built and old friendships strengthened. It also allowed staff and students to interact, away from lecture halls, hospital rounds and skills laboratories - all of which made it an enjoyable and memorable experience for all.

‘Creating an amazing student experience is the core to improving the performance of Medical students, their lived experience, as well as discovering and exploiting their untapped talents,’ said Dlova. ‘Who would have known that Medical students can paint and produce such works of art. In fact, when Luthando was facilitating the class I learned so much about teaching. He was so calm, so cool.’

Said Dlova: ‘We need to bring the best out of one another. There was such teamwork here. There was nothing like professor or dean; we were all equal - same level, laughing, chatting and correcting one another. I feel like these are things we never experience as Medical students. Hopefully, in the future someone will come up with something even better than this. Such events are also confidence boosters for students.’

Dlova cited this quotation from the Association of American Medical Colleges: ‘By integrating arts and humanities throughout medical education, trainees and physicians can learn to be better observers and interpreters; and build empathy, communication and teamwork skills, and more.’

By the end of the class, participants had transitioned white canvasses to scenic sunsets which they proudly took photos of and shared on their social media pages. UKZN’s College of Health Sciences also created a photo album on its Facebook page, capturing highlights from the event (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=ukznHealthSciences&set=a.601000162238664).

‘It was an amazing experience and I am looking forward to the upcoming classes,’ said Zulu, who mentioned that one of his works was recently sold to a buyer in London. ‘The intersection of art and medicine is where my passion lies!’

An art committee was established on the day and the next event will be communicated through relevant channels.

The events aim to provide stress relief and enhance creativity, and cultivate a sense of connecting and belonging, while expert guidance is provided to help build an enduring foundation of artistic well-being.

Dlova thanked staff from her office, Mr Smanga Khuzwayo, Ms Bathobile Mbuyane and Ms Nomakhwezi Khanyile who worked very closely with Zulu in making the inaugural art class a resounding success.

Words and photographs: Lunga Memela