Literature and medicine: a short course for medical students.

A course on literature and medicine for medical students is described. A wide range of books, plays and poems were used with medical and non-medical themes. Students enjoyed the course and particularly welcomed the non-medical components. The staff learned at least as much as the students. Several book lists were developed with input from the students. Such a course might have a part to play in several parts of the medical course, such as in the teaching of ethics.