Discovering the intersections of medicine and humanities in Cortona, Italy
The story of UGA Cortona starts more than 55 years ago with a friendship forged between sculptor and art professor emeritus John D. Kehoe, the late founder of the university’s Cortona study abroad program, and former mayor of Cortona. Today, UGA students arrive year-round in Athens’ sister city, perched atop a Tuscan hill, to practice art across various mediums. This fall, the College of Veterinary Medicine’s biomedical physiology course joined the roster.
“UGA Cortona has strategically broadened its foundational curriculum in studio art and art history by incorporating interdisciplinary approaches,” said Chris Robinson, UGA Cortona director. “This cross-college partnership underscores our commitment to experiential learning while fostering a rich academic environment that bridges the arts with diverse fields of study.”
Spearheaded by Dax Ovid, an assistant professor in the department of physiology and pharmacology, the semester-long course brought seven biomedical physiology students to Cortona for an experience that would dissolve the boundary between art and science. Manual dexterity, visual acuity, empathy — these are the skills that both artists and medical professionals must possess to succeed.