Humanities and the Arts Pathway (HAP)

Program Contact

Andrea Kalus, MD
Pathway Faculty Advisor
she/her/hers
humanitiespathway@uw.edu

McKenna Karsten

UW Medical Student

Pronouns: she/her/hers
 

Creativity has always been a big part of my life, shaped by growing up in a family where it was encouraged and celebrated.  

For me, painting has always been a deeply personal way to express myself. It’s a form of journaling when words don’t come easily, and it helps me reflect and process my emotions. These creative outlets have not only enriched my life but also shaped how I think and communicate—skills that are essential as I move forward in my medical career.  

Throughout my life, art has been an important form of expression and reflection for me, often serving to connect with myself and others. From a young age, I found my own healing in painting and drawing, connecting with myself in the process. This interest has only grown as I’ve entered medicine, where I’ve noticed a striking connection between creativity and the practice of medicine. Many of the physicians I’ve shadowed and worked alongside have embraced creative outlets such as pottery, photography, and music, using these forms of expression not only to balance their demanding lives but also to connect with their patients on a deeper level. Witnessing this has shaped my belief that creativity is essential for fostering empathy and engaging with the humanity of each patient. 

I see the Humanities and the Arts Pathway as an opportunity to integrate creativity into my medical education, helping me better connect with patients through their unique stories and expressions. This pathway aligns with my desire to approach medicine holistically, honoring the individuality of each person I care for. By strengthening my creative instincts, I hope to strengthen my ability to see patients for their individuality and develop a stronger ability to serve my patients with a creative mindset. This pathway also provides balance during my training, allowing me to cultivate skills for reflection and growth, ensuring I remain connected to this unique side of myself.  

Debbie Wang

UW Medical Student

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Writing has always helped me make sense of the world. During college at Vanderbilt, I was a writer and later editor of the campus newspaper. I went on some truly amazing assignments, such as interviewing Ann Patchett, one of my favorite authors, at her Nashville bookstore Parnassus. After graduating, I founded the narrative medical journal “Go to the People” to shed light on the field of street medicine. The project eventually culminated in a published edition where the unhoused and the physicians who serve them shared their stories through essays and oral recordings.    

As I entered medical school, I knew I wanted to explore narrative medicine further, and the electives offered at UW have not disappointed! I’ve been able to roam the Seattle Art Museum through a course focused on visual thinking strategies and refine my storytelling skills through a narrative writing class with local physician-author Dr. Emily Transue. 

These experiences have deepened my belief in the power of narrative to foster trust between communities and the healthcare system. As a future physician, I hope to integrate writing into my practice in meaningful ways, whether by leading reflective writing activities, publishing short stories, or even writing my own book. 

Alex Thuesen

UW Medical Student 

Pronouns: he/him/his

Music has been a lifelong pursuit, shaping both my personal and professional growth. Growing up in Red Lodge, Montana, I had the privilege of exploring various facets of the musical world. Despite the rural setting, I performed piano at retirement homes, local saloons, and community centers, and played guitar with a school band, at open mic nights, and alongside peers during my undergraduate years in Bozeman. These opportunities deepened my appreciation for the transformative power of music, yet I am acutely aware that many youth and adults in the communities I serve lack access to similar experiences.  

While pursuing my medical education at the University of Washington School of Medicine’s Montana Foundations site, I have continued to nurture my passion by taking piano lessons through Montana State University. Although my academic responsibilities limit my opportunities for guitar or bass performance, music remains an integral part of my life. During my gap years, I volunteered at Wild Roots Therapy in Billings, where I worked with disadvantaged youth. This experience opened my eyes to the pervasive effects of socio-educational and economic disparities on childhood development. I hope to combine my passion for music with my medical training to foster community well-being, bridging the gap between public health initiatives and the joy of artistic expression. I envision using the HAP to enhance my therapeutic approach, fostering more sentimental and compassionate connections with patients beyond the often cold and analytical perspective gleaned from traditional classroom settings.