Show Notes:
Today, we are joined by Dr. Elizabeth Gaufberg, MD, MPH, an Associate Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Director of Professional and Academic Development at the Cambridge Health Alliance.
Dr. Elizabeth Gaufberg is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Director of Professional and Academic Development at the Cambridge Health Alliance, and a Senior Consultant to the Association of American Medical Colleges FRAHME (Fundamental Role of the Arts and Humanities in Medical Education). Liz founded and co-directs the Harvard Macy Institute Art Museum-based Health Professions Education Fellowship. From 2012-2018 Liz served as the Jean and Harvey Picker Founding Director of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Research Institute during which time she developed a community of practice of researchers, educators and advocates dedicated to advancing humanism in healthcare. For over two decades, Liz has led the Harvard Medical School Cambridge Integrated Clerkship Developing Physician Course, built on explicit principles and relationships that research shows can preserve and strengthen patient-centeredness years after graduation.
In the conversation, Dr. Gaufberg shares how a formative anatomy lab moment sparked her lifelong commitment to reflective practice and using the arts and humanities to cultivate essential clinical skills.
We also cover:
How the Cambridge Integrated Clerkship model preserves patient-centeredness through longitudinal relationships and relational learning
Using “third things” like visual art and poetry to teach observation, bias awareness, teamwork, and tolerance for ambiguity
Practical approaches for bringing arts-based reflection into clinical settings to support psychological safety and professional flourishing
Dr. Gaufberg concludes by sharing her own well-being practices—family time, music, daily walks in nature at Squam Lake, and deep community connections through organizations dedicated to humanism in healthcare.