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Humanities - Kienle Center
Some people feel that with the rapid growth of technological medicine, quality of life and the personal values of the patient may have been lost. The Center for Humanistic Medicine at Penn State's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center was founded in 1979 to find ways to restore and enhance care that is compassionate and technically excellent, emphasizing patient's individual needs. 

In 1985, the work of the center blossomed when Drs. Lawrence F. and Jane Witmer Kienle of Medford, New Jersey, learned of the center and generously decided to provide continuing financial support. In September 1992, following the death of Dr. Jane Kienle in 1991, the name of the center was changed to The Doctors Kienle Center for Humanistic Medicine to recognize the contributions of the Drs. Kienle. The Kienles also support the Doctors Kienle Chair for Humane Medicine, currently held by James O. Ballard, M.D., in the Department of Medicine. 

The ongoing mission of The Doctors Kienle Center is to support, facilitate, and initiate education and research that will render the delivery of health care more humane, both locally and nationally. This work has flourished with the support of representatives from several departments within Penn State Hershey Medical Center and volunteers from the hospital and community.

The Doctors Kienle Lectureship
Presentations by national leaders in humane medicine.

Humanism in Medicine Awards
Annual awards for an HMC nurse, resident, and student (the latter co-sponsored by the Association of Faculty and Friends) who demonstrate a commitment to humanitarian service.

Annual awards for a graduating medical student and a faculty member (co-sponsored by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation) who demonstrate the highest standard of compassion and and sensitivity in their interaction with patients.

 Arts Projects

  • Healing Hearts Project. Involves medical students facilitating the creation of art with patients, families, and staff.
  • The Galleries Within. An exhibit of biomedical art (HMC ,North Corridor).
  • The Interactive Art Display. A vibrant art gallery for children (HMC, 7th floor).

History of Medicine Lectures
Each series comprises one presentation from clinical or basic science faculty, one from a senior medical student, and the remainder from historians, clinicians, scientists, museum directors, librarians, archivists, or others who have studied history as it relates to medicine. ―Facilitator: Philip Wilson, Ph.D.

The Kienle Cultural Series
Concert programs featuring guest soloists and HMC talent. ―Facilitator: Keith Cheng, M.D., Ph.D.

Student Projects and Interest Groups
These focus on humanism in medicine.

The Doctors Kienle Collection
A special collection of books and videotapes concerning humanistic medical practice (located in the College of Medicine library).

The Kienle Chapter of The Gold Humanism Honor Society
Students are selected annually from the 4th year classes. ―Facilitator: Cheryl Dellasega, Ph.D.

Global Health Initiative
Development of a program (with curricular components) enabling students and residents to work with medically underserved communities, both in this country and abroad. ―Facilitator: N. Benjamin Fredrick, M.D.

Kienle Service Grant
Monetary support for students working with underserved patients. A project jointly undertaken with the International Health Interest Group.

Underserved Health Practicum
Course for students working with underserved patients.

EPEC (Education for Physicians on End-of-Life Care)
Courses for medical students and for physicians that present the core competencies required in providing high quality care of the dying patient. Based on a standardized curriculum developed by the AMA. ―Facilitator: James O. Ballard, M.D.

Integral Medicine Group
A project focused on gaining a better understanding of how all aspects of wellness in healthcare can be integrated and on exploring the implications of this integrative model for curriculum development in academic medicine. ―Facilitator: John E. Neely, M.D.