The Art of Medicine Seminars - Behind the Scenes at the Museum

York Medical Society invites:

• Medical Students
• Practising and retired colleagues from all healthcare professions
• Members and non-members of York Medical Society

Art of Medicine Seminar 2026 theme 'Making a Difference'

March Seminar - Behind the Scenes at the Museum

Everyday objects used in medicine hold the stories of clinicians and patients. They can represent advances in modern medicine, provoke and sustain personal memories while sometimes perpetuating trauma. Objects act as vessels for our identity and beliefs.
Many medical objects were created with reference to the arts and crafts philosophy to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They often have design elements that are not obvious in the context of medical care.
How do we choose which objects to preserve as a record of our time?
How does the process of curation ensure an appropriate balance between an object being the guardian of secrets or a resource to reveal the past?
Museums act as a third space where joy can be celebrated and trauma can be recognised, validated and the process of healing commenced. Their collections enable our present and future selves to connect with the past.
We invite you to hear the stories of objects from the achieve at York Medical Society and to bring objects that form part of your medical work or professional identity to share and explore their credentials for a place in our imaginary medical museum.

The Art of Medicine Seminars are:

• A programme of interactive seminars every two months using different art forms as a catalyst to connect & inspire clinical colleagues.
• No artistic expertise is required, just a curiosity to explore ways of maintaining and enjoying the art of medicine.
• We hope that the seminars will provide an opportunity to learn something new, connect with colleagues, feel inspired to enjoy more creativity in your life and work.
• Sit back and enjoy the evening or step up and engage with your natural creativity.
• The seminars are kindly supported by York Medical Society.
• For 2026 we invite participants to make a donation towards the costs of running the seminars. We do not expect donations from students, the low waged, or members of York Medical Society. As a charity we are unable to process refunds of donations.
• Please let us know if you have any access requirements.
• We invite partcipants to consider membership of York Medical Society, full details can be found on their website.