“Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.”

This quote, credited to ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, embodies the University of Minnesota Medical School’s latest programs.

The recently launched Center for the Art of Medicine (CFAM) is an initiative within the University’s Medical School to promote storytelling within medicine and a more holistic curriculum and experience for medical students, residents and faculty alike.

Dr. Maren Olson, associate director for CFAM and pediatric hospitalist for Children’s Minnesota, described the importance of medical education, focusing not only on the science of medicine but the art of medicine as well.

“I think there is more and more evidence that intentionally incorporating arts and humanities into medical education makes people better doctors,” Olson said. “We know that storytelling builds empathy and hearing stories builds empathy.”

Fellow associate director and pediatric hospitalist Dr. Ben Trappey echoed these sentiments.

“Humans aren’t purely scientific creatures, you know; the arts are built into humanity,” Trappey said. “It’s a detriment to science and to medicine to neglect that part of who we are as people, I think.”

While the pandemic has delayed the initial March 2020 launch date, the directors at CFAM opened their metaphorical doors this past fall.

The idea for the center came from Dr. Jakub Tolar, dean of the University’s Medical School. In 2019, Tolar and CFAM director and medical director of Mill City Clinic, Dr. Jon Hallberg, began making plans to take the existing humanities-based projects within the Medical School and the new innovative programs under one roof.

Along with arts and humanities in the curriculum, the Center for the Art of Medicine has seven primary projects. While work on some of these projects has been allowed to continue, others remain on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Projects like “Music in the Clinics” are currently unable to take place, while other work and events such as the “Hippocrates Cafe” have been able to pivot and continue. “Hippocrates Cafe” is a decade-long tradition that operates as a live variety show where performers explore healthcare topics through art. Recently, a live recording of “Hippocrates Cafe” took place in partnership with Twin Cities PBS.

The center has hosted two virtual “story slams” since the beginning of the pandemic, where healthcare workers and medical students shared their experiences on a variety of issues.

“We ended up getting this really powerful mix of stories of people’s experience with the COVID pandemic and then people’s experience with the pandemic of racism and racial injustice, and so we had this great virtual space for people to gather and process some really challenging experiences,” Olson said.

There are currently no plans to establish a physical space for the Center for the Art of Medicine; however, the directors hope to continue expanding.

Hannah Michelson, marketing manager for CFAM, hopes to see a continued dialogue and partnership with local artists and creators in the Twin Cities.

“I really like the connections we’re able to build with artists in our community throughout the whole pandemic and being able to work with them more fully to find ways to get our physicians and our healthcare providers outlets that they need to be their best selves [in order] to combat that physician burnout that we know is so real,” Michelson said.

Hallberg hopes to continue the work of providing platforms for healthcare voices in the community.

“In 2-3 years I’d like to see CFAM be at the forefront of medical humanities programs in the country in terms of creative output from medical students, residents, fellows, core faculty and community physicians,” Hallberg said in an email to the Minnesota Daily. “This will occur largely in the form of Story Slam participation, publications in medical and literary journals, Hippocrates Cafe productions, and other forms of creative expression.”

There is an argument to be made that one of the only good things to come out of 2020 has been the music. As Gov. Tim Walz urged us to stay indoors and away from others, we found company in our favorite artists. Though choosing the best of the best is no small task, here are the top 10 albums that stood out above the rest.

10. City Girls: “City on Lock”

The sophomore project from Miami rap duo City Girls is nothing if not a good time. Delivering the same energy from their studio debut “Girl Code,” the unique flows from both Yung Miami and JT are the driving factor on this project. Complete with minimalist production and features from Doja Cat, Lil Durk and Lil Baby, this album is one headbanger after another.

9. Tame Impala: “The Slow Rush”

Tame Impala ended their five-year hiatus this year and came back with a vengeance. Following their 2015 masterpiece, “Currents,” Tame Impala chose to dial back the energy and focus on a slightly more laid back sound for their fourth studio album. Complete with the familiar groovy basslines and distinctive drum sounds, “The Slow Rush” hypnotizes with its meditative synth leads and soaring vocals. While there may not be as many standout hits on “The Slow Rush” as there were on “Currents,” Tame Impala has blessed us with an endlessly interesting addition to their discography.

8. The Strokes: “The New Abnormal”

Another long-awaited release, “The New Abnormal” is the first new project from the Strokes in seven years. With a nine-song tracklist running 45 minutes in length, Julian Casablancas and the rest of the New York rock band teleport us back to the early 2000s with their one of a kind sound and style. With engineering from Rick Rubin and outstanding performances from the band, this record is a masterclass in sound quality. The album features hits like “The Adults Are Talking” and “Eternal Summer” — immediate additions to the list of greatest Strokes’ tracks.

7. Thundercat: “It Is What It Is”

A musical virtuoso, a pensive and introspective lyricist, a certifiable geek, and so much more, Thundercat continues to pour all aspects of his eclectic personality into his music on his latest record, “It Is What It Is.” The LA native keeps us asking ourselves, “How the hell does he do it?” with his jaw-dropping bass stylings featured on tracks like “Miguel’s Happy Dance” and “How Sway.” His patented groovy instrumental paired with his signature falsetto make way for some of his most fun tracks to date. Skillful, thoughtful, artistic and goofy, his fourth studio album hits from all angles.

6. Lil Baby: “My Turn”

With his latest record, Atlanta rapper Lil Baby shows his growth as an artist and why he’s one of the greatest rappers out right now. While a 20-song album can be daunting for listeners, Lil Baby shatters all doubt with consistent quality and low points that are few and far between. While there is a cast of notable features from the likes of Young Thug, Future and Lil Wayne, Lil Baby proves to us that he does not rely on his guests with each solo track outshining the one before.

5. The Weeknd: “After Hours”

Canadian superstar The Weeknd takes his sound in a nostalgic new direction with “After Hours.” Channeling elements of 80’s synth-pop and dance music, these songs are simply infectious. While sticking to his melancholic and reflective lyrical themes, the Canadian singer sings his stories of heartbreak and self-acceptance over a backdrop of dazzling synths, 80’s drums, and melodies that refuse to leave our heads. This record is one of a kind and truly a highpoint in The Weeknd’s career… regardless of what the Grammys’ judges have to say.

4. Run the Jewels: “RTJ4”

Rappers Killer Mike and EL-P made their mark on 2020 with their iconic fourth installment of their Run the Jewels series. Delivering their first release in four years, the rap duo hits harder than ever before, which is saying a lot considering the quality of their previous three albums. “RTJ4” is chock full of mind-blowing verses from both members alike and features some of the group’s heaviest songs of all time. The production refuses to slip, the lyrics are murderous and the political commentary is in your face and without apology.

3. Freddie Gibbs & Alchemist: “Alfredo”

The collaboration of rapper Freddie Gibbs and producer Alchemist proved to be a match made in heaven with their 2020 release “Alfredo.” The production is captivating with its jazz, funk and R&B influences, and it is executed with precision throughout the project. Gibbs’ masterful lyrics and flow are a return to the proficiency seen in his opuses “Bandana” and “Piñata.” Running just 35 minutes, this album manages to pack in a plethora of poetry, musical fusion and experimentation all in one concise package.

2. Fiona Apple: “Fetch the Bolt Cutters”

The fifth studio album from New York singer-songwriter Fiona Apple is an artful and wonderfully experimental project like no other. Written and recorded entirely in her home over multiple years, the album is outside of the box in the best ways possible, whether it’s her heavy vocal contrast throughout, the obscure samples used or her experimental song structure. Her songwriting style on this album is original and refreshing as she tinkers with attention-grabbing lyrics, unique soundscapes and themes of the mundane and ordinary life. It’s wholly new and much needed in a year like this.

1. Mac Miller: “Circles”

The first posthumous release from rapper Mac Miller is a poignant walk through his career and talents as a songwriter. The album contains 12 previously unreleased tracks that highlight Miller’s versatility as an artist and showcases his explorations into various genres. While the album contains prolific rapping from the Pittsburgh MC, the standout of “Circles” is Miller’s singing voice. His vocal performance on songs like “Everybody” and the title track “Circles” make for sobering moments of reflection on the life and the untimely loss of a beautiful artist.

Finals are right around the corner, papers are due and you’re currently failing chemistry. Fear not, A&E is here for some recommendations that are sure to help bring those cortisol levels down.

Something to watch:

“The Trial of the Chicago 7” (Netflix): Based on true events, this new drama tells the story of the seven people arrested for conspiracy, following their involvement with the 1968 protests at the Democratic National Convention. The film focuses on the notorious trial that took place in 1969 where the federal government accused the defendants of inciting riots to make an example of demonstrators and supporters of the anti-war movement. With a screenplay from Aaron Sorkin and performances by Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne and Yahya Abdul‑Mateen II, the film brings a thrilling lens to a powerful moment in history.

“The Great British Baking Show” (Netflix): The world’s most popular and least competitive baking series is back with a new season. This easygoing BBC show pits several amateur bakers against each other for the grand prize of a single cake platter. With all jokes, all fun and zero stakes, there is nothing better to watch during a stressful finals season.

Something to tap your foot to:

“Nightmare Vacation” by Rico Nasty: The debut studio album from Washington, D.C. rapper/singer Rico Nasty is just the vacation we all needed. An energetic and chaotic carnival ride of an album, “Nightmare Vacation” features some of Rico’s hardest-hitting songs to date. The album’s explosive beats and eclectic production style are tailored perfectly to her
one-of-a-kind flow and vocal delivery.

Nasty delivered quality from a range of genres on this album, from the frenzied auto-tuned industrial pop banger “IPHONE” to the instant club-style classic “No Debate.” Only building on the energy and style of her previous mixtapes “Nasty” and “Anger Management,” this project is a surefire success for the next time the aux cord is passed your way.

“The Lo-Fis” by Steve Lacy: Guitarist and singer-songwriter Steve Lacy takes a dive into the vaults with his latest project composed of music made during his high school days. “The Lo-Fis” is the second studio album from the solo artist and “The Internet” member. Lacy is bringing back his signature sound we all know and love.

Expanding on his teenage compositions, Lacy delivers all of the same R&B, funk and jazz influences from his 2019 debut record, “Apollo XXI.” His masterful guitar and bass performances, gorgeous vocals and unique songwriting talents all combine to keep your head bobbing and your toe tapping all throughout this fifteen-song project.

Something to try:

Your local bars: The pandemic has been devastating for bars, restaurants and small businesses. As the city has once again entered a temporary shutdown of in-person seating and dining, many of these businesses have been relying solely on takeout orders.

Bars have particularly been suffering as they are extremely limited on the alcohol they are able to sell to go. This week, we recommend you show some love to your favorite local eateries with a to-go meal off their menus. Sally’s, Blarney and Stub and Herbs are just a few local favorites all open for takeout.