From Heritage to Inclusion: Highlights from the Health Humanities Hub
Published: 15 May 2026
The Health Humanities Hub (HHH) had an inspiring season of learning, reflection, and community engagement. Bringing together history, culture, and education, recent activities highlighted how understanding the past and fostering inclusivity can shape the future of healthcare.
The HHH champions the role of the health humanities in advancing meaningful healthcare practice and education. Supported by the NUS Medicine Global Education Network, HHH was established within the Centre for Biomedical Ethics to raise awareness of the central, yet under-discussed, role of the non-scientific component of medical practice: the Health Humanities, and champion the role of the Health Humanities in good healthcare practice and pedagogy. Through the study and practice of history, philosophy, the social sciences, and the fine and performing arts, the HHH aims to collaborate on, and co-create, localised experiences that bring the humanities to life for all within the larger medical fraternity.
Here are two recent highlights.
Exploring Singapore’s Healthcare Roots: Medical Heritage Walk
On 20 April, participants embarked on a Medical Heritage Walk through the vibrant streets of Chinatown, a district deeply rooted in Singapore’s cultural and medical heritage.
Health Humanities Hub participants discussing the history and development of Singapore’s pluralistic medical practices in Chinatown.
As a longstanding centre for traditional medicine, Chinatown provided a meaningful backdrop to explore how migration, social conditions, and diverse intellectual traditions have influenced healthcare practices over time. Through this immersive experience, participants traced Singapore’s remarkable medical journey, from a colonial outpost with rudimentary medical facilities and services, to a globally recognised healthcare leader.
Health Humanities Hub participants discussing their takeaways from the tour with tea and cakes.
More than a historical tour, the walk offered a powerful reflection on how today’s healthcare system is shaped by a rich tapestry of cultural beliefs, community practices, and historical experiences. It underscored the importance of understanding these foundations, as medicine continues to evolve and innovate.
Building Inclusive Classrooms
Health Humanities Hub participants in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) faculty development workshop.
Complementing the exploration of the past, the Health Humanities Hub also looked ahead to the future through a Faculty Development Workshop focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
Held in collaboration with Catalyse, the workshop brought together 25 medical educators for an afternoon of meaningful dialogue and professional growth. The session was facilitated by Roosmarijn Emmering, whose engaging and thoughtful approach created a safe space for open and honest discussion.
Participants explored practical strategies for responding to challenging or inappropriate comments in educational settings, learning to approach such situations with curiosity, empathy, and generosity. Emphasis was placed on fostering reflection and self-awareness among students while creating a respectful and inclusive classroom environment.
The workshop also encouraged participants to reflect on ways to amplify diverse perspectives and ensure that all voices are heard and valued. Strengthening inclusivity among faculty would lay down a stronger foundation for nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Looking Ahead
Participants shared their insights and contributed to meaningful conversations and experiences, in their exploration of the intersection of healthcare and the humanities.
To stay updated or learn more, visit the website: https://medicine.nus.edu.sg/cbme/health-humanities-hub/
