Ms Lynsey Porter, Deputy Principal - Teaching & Learning
Reflections of a Physician Doctor on the Importance of the Humanities in Education: A Presentation by Dr David Curran (Class of 1970) with Year 12
In a captivating and enlightening session on Monday, 12 February, Waverley College welcomed back one of its distinguished alumni, Dr David Curran. Graduating as College Captain in 1970, Dr Curran has since forged a remarkable career as a practising Physician Doctor and Clinical Senior Lecturer in Medicine at the University of Wollongong’s Graduate School of Medicine.
The focus of Dr Curran’s presentation to our Year 12 students was “Reflections of a Physician Doctor on the Importance of the Humanities in Education.” Drawing on his extensive experience, he passionately discussed the profound impact that literature, arts, and the humanities can have on individuals in the medical profession.
Dr Curran emphasised the pivotal role of reading in shaping empathetic and well-rounded medical professionals. He spoke eloquently about how literature serves as a powerful tool to navigate challenging emotions and gain insights into life’s complexities. In particular, he stressed the importance of fostering a three-dimensional approach to medical education, encouraging students to go beyond textbooks and delve into the rich world of literature.
Throughout his presentation, Dr Curran seamlessly weaved quotes from literary giants such as Albert Camus, John Steinbeck, Voltaire, Shakespeare, and T S Eliot. Carefully selecting works that our Year 11 and 12 students are familiar with or will encounter in their studies, he underscored the relevance of these timeless texts in the development of a holistic understanding of the human experience.
Furthermore, Dr Curran has donated to our Library a copy of two of the texts that have inspired him the most, The Plague, by Albert Camus and Four Quartets by T S Eliot.
An advocate for cultivating a deep connection between medicine and the humanities, Dr Curran shared his philosophy that reading invites individuals into a profound conversation with the greatest minds in history. It not only imparts knowledge but also facilitates self-discovery, enabling students to see the world through new eyes and feel with a new heart.
Beyond his insightful discourse, Dr Curran’s engagement with our school extends to his involvement with debating students over the past few years. His expertise will further enhance our Senior Essay and Speech Writing Competition, which was launched last week. Further details are below.
Dr Curran’s multifaceted contributions exemplify the enduring value of an education that embraces both the scientific and the humanistic aspects of learning, preparing students for a future where empathy and intellectual depth are essential qualities in the medical profession and beyond.
Edmund Ignatius Rice Speech and Essay competition
As mentioned in last week’s Nurrunga, Year 11 and 12 scholars are invited to submit entries for the inaugural Edmund Ignatius Rice Speech and Essay competition. Discover the competition insights in the link HERE.
