Poetry plays an important role in the VUmc activities in the field of Literature and Medicine.
Poetry Contest
In 2014, the VU Medical Center started with a yearly poetry contest about health and disease. In 2018 this prize is awarded for the fifth time.
A professional jury, with members both from literature and medicine, decides who will win the first price (1000 euro), second price (500 euro) and third price (250 euro). The ten best poems will be published in the yearly literature and medicine book.
In 2017, 569 poems were admitted. In 2018, 287. Next time will be in april 2020 with the theme ‘Care’
Not evidence based
Besides that, Aafke de Groot en Coes Delprat, two poetical doctors, give a course of four evenings writing poetry for doctors and health care professionals. Starting point is the (medical) experience in health care.