Albany Museum of Art

The Albany Museum of Art in Georgia will host programming to help physicians understand alternative viewpoints and engage in deeper emotional processing to improve patient care. Based on another program in which physician participants reported improved insight, empathy, and ability to reflect in their clinical work, this initiative combines the Balint method of “doctor-patient relationship groups” with an art analysis technique called Visual Thinking Strategies. Sessions will begin with group members exploring a compelling work of art to help them identify and examine their perspectives and emotions relating to the art. Next, a trained facilitator will lead participants in a Balint session that typically relates to the artwork to explore their perceptions and emotions relating to a patient-physician relationship. The museum will provide bimonthly art experiences for these groups, including visual verbal journaling, sound experiences, and watercolor workshops. The museum’s programming will support the medical professionals who have cared for the health and well-being of Southwest Georgians throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.