COLUMBUS, Ohio —OSU officials say there's growing evidence that both patients and caregivers benefit from art therapy.

  • More than 90 percent of students in the College of Medicine at Ohio State are involved in the arts
  • According to a national survey by Medscape, 44 percent of those in the medical field report being burned out
  • OSU says studies are showing medical students are better able to deal with the stresses of medical school by being involved in the arts

“We've got some studies that are now starting to show that they're able to better cope with the stresses of medical school by attending these arts events and becoming involved in arts organizations,” said Ron Shaull, OSU Wexner Medical Center. 

From the 40-piece orchestra, comprised from all seven of the Health Sciences at the University, to dance, theatre and media, more than 90 percent of students in the College of Medicine at Ohio State are involved in the arts.

Fourth year medical student Matt Basinger took a photo while taking a trip to Nepal.

It eventually became the cover photo for the College of Medicine's yearly publication, Ether Arts Magazine.

“My way of relaxing is getting out into the wilderness and, you know, I’m able to share that with other students through this organization,” said Basinger.

One of the big issues in the medical field is burnout.

According to a national survey by Medscape, 44 percent of those in the medical field report being burned out.

“You know, how can you really not take things home when you're here in the hospital and you're seeing things that you see every day?  You know, as I go through my career, I'm interested to see how it will affect me and what skills I use to get through it,” said Basinger.

On Wednesday, Ohio State hosted its annual art fair that featured works from two dozen student organizations.

The goal is to continue creating a more humanistic environment in which to care for patients, and at the same time educate students and residents.

For Basinger, while his time is winding down, he says Medicine and the Arts is a great way for students to give back and branch out of their comfort zone.

“It's really easy being in the medical field, to be really stuck in the medical field, if you know what I mean. And to be able to talk to someone outside the medical field is actually really helpful and taking a nice break,” said Basinger.