Following his retirement as Professor of Surgery at University College London, Professor Michael Baum was appointed as visiting professor of medical humanities where he made it his duty to balance the science and technology of modern medicine with the study of the humanities in relation to medicine. He established a special study module on the role of the visual arts in the study and practice of medicine.

He will be joining us for a ‘Lockdown Lecture’ to share one of his most popular tutorials a “teaching ward round” at the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. In this talk he will conduct a virtual ward round of the National Gallery, using his favourite pictures to teach us how to “diagnose” paintings, many of which have hidden clues that use the classical methods of iconology. In one famous painting he will show how a forensic scientist of today might investigate a brutal murder 500 years ago. When museums open up again in summer, you will then be able to dig deeper into the hidden meaning of paintings in a way that should enhance your pleasure visiting galleries in the future.

Professor Baum is a British surgical oncologist who specialises in breast cancer treatment, he started the first nurse counselling service at Kings College Hospital in 1981 and the first psychosocial oncology research team at the same time. We are delighted to welcome him to Queen’s for this very special lecture.