2024-2025 Events

Medical Arts Program Artist's Guild 2024 Showcase | 07.08.2024

On the evening of Monday, July 8th, over 100 people gathered at Kerrytown Concert House to attend the 8th year of the Medical Arts Program Artists’ Guild (MAPAG). Medical student initiated and sponsored by the Medical Arts Program, MAPAG offered 16 students the opportunity to sing, perform instrumental music, recite original poetry, deliver comedy, and much else. The energy in the room, the support from classmates, and the mutual delight in sharing each other’s’ talents all made for a wonderful evening. A beloved and continued tradition for the Medical Arts Program

Etudes for Piano (World Premier) | 10.04.24

The Medical Arts Program delivered a memorable evening as renowned concert pianist Joel Schoenhals presented the world premiere of Navajo composer Connor Chee’s Etudes for Piano—a soaring and intimate reflection of Navajo life, culture, and spirituality. The program also featured stirring renditions of Unbroken, inspired by WWII Navajo code talkers, and Shí Naashá, which captured the spirit of resilience and homecoming following years of adversity. This extraordinary event brought together medical students to witness the transformative power of live performance and to celebrate the profound connections between art and cultural heritage.

During an engaging pre-show discussion, composer Connor Chee offered valuable insights into his creative process and the role of Navajo traditions in shaping his music. Attendees were inspired by his thoughtful exploration of how art can echo the human experience, with many reflecting on the ways in which creativity enriches both personal growth and the practice of medicine. The event not only showcased exceptional talent but also fostered a vibrant dialogue that left participants deeply moved and eager for future MAP experiences.

Berlin Philharmoniker | 11.24.24

The Berlin Philharmonic, perhaps the world’s finest orchestra, captivated us with a stirring performance of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 5—a monumental work exploring themes of struggle, redemption, and spiritual transcendence. Our intimate pre-show discussion with Katja Frei, the orchestra’s Director of Education and Outreach, set the stage for this rare opportunity, drawing 18 enthusiastic attendees eager to experience the transformative power of live music.

Interactive Painting Workshop with Dr. Lona Mody | 12.08.24

The Medical Arts Program recently hosted an engaging two-session painting workshop led by Dr. Lona Mody. Participants had the opportunity to create their very own acrylic paintings, guided by Dr. Mody’s and Julee Li, under the theme Designing Your Gallery Wall. All necessary supplies were provided, and the atmosphere was filled with creativity, complemented by delicious snacks from Zingerman's.

Student paintings from the workshop are now being put on display at the University of Michigan Medical School. The event offered a wonderful chance for participants to explore their artistic side while fostering a deeper connection between art and medicine.

Hexagons with Caroline Shaw & Gabriel Kahane | 01.23.25

The Medical Arts Program kicked off the new year with Hexagons, a bold new work by Caroline Shaw and Gabriel Kahane, inspired by Jorge Luis Borges’s The Library of Babel. Through music and storytelling, the performance immersed audiences in the beauty and bewilderment of an oversaturated world of information. In the post-show discussion, students reflected on the parallels between the work’s abstraction and the uncertainty inherent in medical practice. One participant noted, “We think we have specific answers in medicine, but much like the abstract music we listened to, sometimes we don’t know the answer yet.”

The evening sparked conversations about ambiguity in both art and medicine, reinforcing the importance of communication, adaptability, and perspective. As one student shared, “Learning to embrace uncertainty rather than fear it is something I hope to carry into my future practice.” The Medical Arts Program is grateful to Shaw, Kahane, and all who attended for making this event a thought-provoking exploration of knowledge, creativity, and human experience.

Bonsai Experience & Discussion | 02.15.25

The Medical Arts Program welcomed its inaugural Bonsai Experience at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens, inviting 28 participants to explore the intricate Japanese art of bonsai under the guidance of bonsai artist and Medical School favorite Dr. Cyril Grum. Our event featured an intimate discussion that revealed the delicate balance of art and science in nurturing living masterpieces—each tree a reflection of the complexities and uncertainties in medicine. One student shared, "Connecting with the bonsai and hearing from someone who is both passionate about the art and very successful in medicine (Dr. Grum)", capturing the spirit of curiosity and inspiration that permeated the afternoon.

Attendees marveled at the centuries-old trees and the meticulous care required to maintain them, finding deep personal resonance in the parallels between bonsai cultivation and medical practice. Another participant remarked, "The discussion on having a craft outside of medicine was really meaningful and I liked having some real examples to look up to." Their reflections underscored how embracing artistic endeavors can foster personal growth and enhance our approach to patient care. We look forward to hosting more events that bridge nature, art, and medicine, and thank everyone for making this a memorable exploration of creativity and healing.

Peeping Tom Triptych | 03.29.25

In March, Medical Arts participants experienced Triptych, a boundary-pushing dance-theater work by Belgian company Peeping Tom, in collaboration with Nederlands Dans Theater. Eleven attendees were immersed in a visceral exploration of memory, time, and desire, encountering powerful themes of uncertainty and the body’s language — themes resonant with clinical practice. Preceding the performance, Clare Croft, SMTD faculty, offered valuable context on interpreting dance, especially for those new to the medium. Survey reflections revealed how the performance challenged students to embrace ambiguity and consider new perspectives on trauma, empathy, and the human form. As one student shared, "I had to sit in discomfort while feeling so many emotions and trying desperately to piece together a nuanced story... sitting in this uncertainty was good practice for medicine." Another highlighted, "The show elicited a visceral reaction similar to things we witness on the wards." The evening underscored the importance of non-verbal communication, empathy, and resilience in both the arts and medicine.

Lunchtime Discussion with Hala Alyan | 04.17.25

The Medical Arts Program was honored to welcome Hala Alyan — award-winning poet, novelist, clinical psychologist, and NYU professor — for an intimate lunchtime discussion. Ten students and faculty gathered to explore the intersections of creative writing, clinical care, and personal identity. Dr. Alyan shared her journey integrating creative practice with her work in mental health, reflecting on how art can process and convey complex experiences, including trauma, addiction, and cultural heritage. The conversation offered students a model for balancing diverse professional and personal pursuits. As one participant noted, “Hearing how a medical professional can weave creativity into their life was inspiring and affirmed that the arts can coexist with and even strengthen our clinical work.” This event deepened Medical Arts' ongoing exploration of how storytelling, both in literature and in medicine, can foster empathy, understanding, and human connection.

Medical Arts Program Artist's Guild Spring Showcase | 04.19.2025

The Medical Arts Program Artists' Guild (MAPAG) Spring Showcase lit up the Kerrytown Concert House on April 19th with a dynamic celebration of creativity and community. Over 100 attendees gathered to support medical students who shared their diverse artistic talents, reinforcing the importance of creative expression within the medical profession.
This year’s program featured a wide range of performances, including vocal and instrumental music, spoken word poetry, stand-up comedy, and ensemble collaborations. The Showcase reflected the breadth of artistic passions among our medical students—from jazz and musical theatre to classical compositions and original comedy. The supportive atmosphere allowed both seasoned performers and first-time participants to share their work with an enthusiastic audience.
As always, the evening fostered connections across the medical school community, offering a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the multidimensional talents of future physicians. The MAPAG Showcase continues to serve as a cherished tradition that highlights the intersection of the arts and medicine, reminding us of the importance of creativity.

Takács Quartet | 04.24.2025

The Medical Arts Program was thrilled to host an evening with the world-renowned Takács Quartet, celebrating their storied relationship with Ann Arbor audiences. The program featured works by Haydn and Beethoven alongside Benjamin Britten’s stirring String Quartet No. 2. Though many of our attendees had previous experience with chamber music, the evening offered fresh insights into collaboration, leadership, and listening — skills central to both music and medicine. After the concert, a rich discussion unfolded with the artists, touching on the evolution of their musical partnership and the subtle, non-verbal communication required in high-pressure performances. As one participant noted, "In both music and medicine, you have to rely heavily on your peers if you want to reach your desired outcomes. No army of one!" This event continued the Medical Arts tradition of connecting artistic excellence with the complexities of patient care and teamwork.