BEYOND THE CLINIC: ARTISTIC PRACTICE AS A SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE MODEL FOR PHYSİCİANS

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to examine how artistic practice—particularly music, visual arts, and poetry—can serve as a sustainable lifestyle model for physicians, supporting well‑being, communication, and burnout prevention in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3: Good Health and Well‑being). Theoretical Framework: The study draws on interdisciplinary literature connecting medicine, psychology, and the arts. Historical examples of physician‑artists, together with contemporary research on music and medicine, provide the conceptual basis for understanding how artistic engagement enhances empathy, perceptual skills, and emotional regulation. Method: A narrative–conceptual methodology was adopted, combining a selective review of scholarly literature with reflective insights derived from professional experience in clinical radiology and long‑term artistic training. This approach allows for an integrated interpretation of how artistic practice contributes to sustainable professional development. Results and Discussion: Findings indicate that artistic activities foster non‑verbal communication, teamwork, cognitive flexibility, and stress management. Music and ensemble performance strengthen collaborative skills, while visual and narrative arts enhance observation and perspective‑taking. These competencies are particularly relevant in high‑intensity medical environments, including radiology. Research Implications: The study highlights the potential of integrating artistic practice into medical education and institutional culture, suggesting dual‑career models and interdisciplinary collaborations as strategies to promote physician well‑being and professional resilience. Originality/Value: This work contributes to the literature by framing artistic practice as a sustainable lifestyle model for physicians and by illustrating how dual engagement in medicine and the arts can enrich clinical performance, educational innovation, and civic engagement.