OMED 5920 Capstone
This unit encourages learners to reflect upon their medical education and examine the ways that they have been and hope to be integrating, practically and conscientiously, the "spirit" dimension of the mind-body-spirit wholeness in the care of themselves and their patients. Learners will examine and lay claim to their own spirituality, examine how this spirituality has deepened over the past two years, consider how it might be deepened in the years ahead, and reflect upon the ways it contributes to mental health and wellness and human flourishing. To this end, learners will engage in Large Group presentations, panel discussions, and small group activities that explore these topics. They will also participate in breakout sessions that familiarize them with and engage them in activities that promote mental and spiritual health (these may include, for example, art (creation and reception), choral participation, music therapy, drama / improvisational performance, dance, yoga, tai-chi, poetry (writing, reading, recitation), meditation, and methods of contemplative prayer). Learners will also reflect upon the notion of mission as it relates to their professional identity, calling, and professional purpose. They will contemplate their own sense of mission as historically situated in relation to the San Antonio Missions—and the service that these missions represent in promoting the flourishing of the people of South Texas—and in relation to the lived mission of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. Thus, learners will have the opportunity to participate in tours of the San Antonio Missions and the Heritage Center of UIW, and engage in reflective discussions upon their place in the historical evolution of service and the mission of compassionate care. In addition, learners will complete a creative expressions project that (1) communicates their understanding of what a patient experiences and feels in the course of illness and treatment; and (2) suggests the ways that the learner’s spirituality shapes his or her compassionate understanding. Creative expression may take the form of fine art (e.g., painting, sculpture, collage), video, dramatic presentation, poem or short story, musical performance, or dance performance). The last Friday of the unit will be devoted to performances and exhibitions of the work. Projects may be undertaken collaboratively (in groups of 4 or less), and time will be allotted, over the course of the unit, for performance-preparation.