The Art & Science of Well-Being

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Is there a formula for becoming happier? Yes. Drawing on my 40 year practice as a cardiovascular physician, we will merge the art and science of medicine while discovering that happiness and well-being indeed can be nurtured. This course explores the intersection of medical science, positive psychology, individual well-being, and philosophical reflections on life and death by examining the scientific literature, and most importantly, sharing our personal stories. A major point of emphasis involves how we deal with, and protect ourselves from loss, suffering, and death, and how this informs the way we live our lives. The course will emphasize personal stories; practices to promote a healthy mind and body; explore the concepts of positive and negative emotions, savoring, resilience, and how to harness our own character strengths; and investigate both the impediments and pillars to building a happier life. We will examine the ethics and means by which modern medicine prolongs life, implements organ transplantations, and confronts the dying process.