Art, Mindfulness, and Medicine By Immanuella Duke | Published: January 21, 2026

On Saturday, January 17th, 2026, the verdant oasis of Barbarian Park, Oyster Bay became a peaceful haven for TAMSA-KIUT (Tanzania Association of Medical Students) seeking an escape from the rigors of clinical study. Hosted by the Mindful Medics Society, the Drawing and Painting; session was designed as a means of intervention to merge creative outlet alongside mental well-being. Medical education is famously demanding recognizing this, the initiative aimed to enhance the psychological well-being of students by integrating mindfulness practices with artistic creation. The goal was simple yet profound: to curtail stress, enhance peer relationships, and foster a culture of personal wellbeing.

The gathering began with a guided mindfulness exercise, allowing the seven participants to ground themselves and clear their minds before picking up their brushes. Following the orientation, the students spent the afternoon painting in a serene outdoor environment. The atmosphere birthed more than just art; it influenced a sense of community. As students stroked their brushes across the canvas, they shared experiences and cultivating a social support network that is fundamental for the relentless environment of medical school. At KIUT, we shape the future of Tanzania and that requires doctors who are as mentally resilient as they are academically profound.