Medical Education and the Arts

Robert Fisch, MD

University of Minnesota pediatrics professor emeritus Robert Fisch, MD, and his wife Karen Bachman established the Fisch Art of Medicine Student Awards in 2007. The endowed fund was created to honor the spirit and work of Fisch, a physician, artist, and Holocaust survivor who has shared his experiences through paintings and books.

Each spring/summer, first- through third-year University of Minnesota medical students are given the opportunity to apply for a Fisch Art of Medicine Student Award. The award enables students to explore the arts, enriching the traditional medical school curriculum through creative expression.

Any artistic, creative project is considered, such as taking classes/courses or working with a mentor/teacher. Preference is given to acquisition of new knowledge and skills. Details about the application and award process can be found at z.umn.edu/fischawardsapp.

Past Fisch awardee
Katie McKenzie,
textile design

Fisch award faculty advisor Jon Hallberg, MD, said, "This award reinforces the reality that medicine is, even in this time of tremendous scientific discovery, as much an art as it is a science."

An annual Fisch Art of Medicine Student Awards Celebration, held in the spring, gives awardees a chance to share their projects with the community and allows current medical students an opportunity to learn more about the award and selection process for the upcoming cycle. 

Since its inception, the Fisch awards have benefited more than 60 University of Minnesota medical students. Pursuits have ranged from aerial arts to ballet to clowning to textile design and beyond. 

Brian Muthyala, MD, was one of the inaugural recipients of the award. He used his funding to produce an audio documentary about two Minnesota doctors working with the homeless. He had this to say about his experience,"There are few chances in medical school to create and be creative. To combine medicine with creative pursuit was a unique and rewarding experience." 

Fisch Awards Celebration 2014

April 30, 2014

5:30 pm, reception

6:00 pm, program

Weisman Art Museum

333 East Rive Rd

Minneapolis, MN 55455

This event is free and open to the public. Food and beverages will be served. RSVP by April 23 to fmch@umn.edu.

L-R, Fisch award faculty advisor Jon Hallberg, MD, past
Fisch awardee Cori Russell, MD, Robert Fisch, MD, and
past Fisch awardee Dylan Bindman, MD