Writing, painting, creating: How can the arts augment psychiatry training?

The humanities have recently enjoyed a position in medical school curriculums, but once a graduated doctor, its importance and value appears to diminish in the eyes of the profession. Psychiatry, as the study of the human condition where one must identify the inner worlds of patients, lends itself to creative pursuits encompassing observation and communication.  As a specialty, psychiatry continues to suffer stigmatised opinions within the medical profession and poor recruitment across many countries. Incorporating the humanities, including literature, music and art into the training of postgraduate doctors could remedy tired perspectives and busy working lives, as well as providing new and dynamic ways to learn about and connect with patients on a more profound level.