Break Through

The Medical Humanities are a dynamic yet fragile field of research at the intersection of medicine, culture and society. This volume addresses this complexity, serving as both a tool for reflection and a source of inspiration for research, teaching, and practice. Seventeen contributions explore the historical, cultural, and ethical dimensions of medical knowledge and practice, and the importance of art, narration, and social responsibility in an evolving healthcare landscape. This volume brings together twenty authors based in Austria from the fields of medicine, the humanities and social sciences, ethics, art, and care, with a special focus on developments from the 19th century to the present day. Three main topics structure the interdisciplinary discussion: "Medical Narratives" is dedicated to literary, artistic and performative perspectives on illness, healing, and medical practice; "Medical Humans" examines historical actors, institutions and knowledge cultures; "Medical Care" reflects on current issues of care, ethics, migration, and diversity in healthcare. The contributions show how medicine can be understood as a culturally embedded practice, as a field that combines scientific knowledge, human experience, and social responsibility. The book is aimed at scientists, teachers, and students from the fields of medicine, the humanities, social sciences, and cultural studies, as well as decision-makers in education and healthcare. The volume makes a fundamental contribution to the establishment and theoretical foundation of Medical and Health Humanities in Austria and German-speaking countries and opens up perspectives for its future institutional and social anchoring.