Joshua David Hauser

This chapter discusses the ethical issues raised by the film _Magnolia_ (1999). The film tells the story of an elderly man, Earl Partridge (Jason Robards), who is dying of lung cancer, his young wife Linda (Julianne Moore), his home health aide Phil (Philip Seymour Hoffman), and his estranged son Frank T. J. Mackey (Tom Cruise). The chapter focuses on a scene where Linda visits her husband's physician to discuss his care. This scene touches upon many teaching points. The physician (1) communicated bad news; (2) set goals and expectations for the patient's death; (3) explained and made a referral to hospice; (4) discussed symptom palliation and possible side effects; and (5) exposed caregiver stress. Each of these items are reviewed to discusses the ethical issues inherent, along with their portrayal in _Magnolia_. The chapter ends with ideas about how such a clip can be used in teaching situations.

It is a foundational principle of medical humanities that the appreciation of literature and other humanities enrich and expand medical training. But what are the mechanisms by which this happens? As a faculty member and former medical student, who met during an interdisciplinary and multi-institutional 5-session poetry seminar, we reflect on how poetry enriches our own experiences working with patients, as well as how we care for patients. Reading poetry in medicine has the potential to enhance observational skills, model an appreciation of uncertainties, and generate joy. Similar to our seminar, other institutions may also consider incorporating poetry into curricula.