The University of Georgia’s Cortona study abroad program has expanded its curriculum to include a biomedical physiology course, marking a significant step in bridging the gap between art and science for participating students. Traditionally focused on studio art and art history, the UGA Cortona program now offers interdisciplinary learning opportunities through a partnership with the College of Veterinary Medicine.
“UGA Cortona has strategically broadened its foundational curriculum in studio art and art history by incorporating interdisciplinary approaches,” said Chris Robinson, UGA Cortona director. “This cross-college partnership underscores our commitment to experiential learning while fostering a rich academic environment that bridges the arts with diverse fields of study.”
The new semester-long course, led by Dax Ovid, assistant professor in the department of physiology and pharmacology, brought seven biomedical physiology students to Cortona. The aim was to blend manual dexterity, visual acuity, and empathy—skills crucial to both artists and medical professionals.
Ovid emphasized the historical relevance of this approach: “The Italian Renaissance is famous for its collaboration between artists and scientists working together to better understand the human body. Creating this opportunity for both physiology and art students to learn anatomy together made perfect sense.”
Students without prior art experience found value in merging disciplines. “A lot of us have never taken an art class before, and that’s why it has been so rewarding,” said K’niya Tuitt, a fourth-year biomedical physiology major on the pre-med track. “I’ve learned things through these courses that I could not see myself being exposed to in a normal science class, and everything we learn pertains to the human body and medicine.”
“This program has rekindled my love for creating art,” added Piper Corsi, a second-year biomedical physiology major on the pre-dental track.
Morgan Schoen, another student in the course, drew connections between ceramics work and cellular function: “In ceramics, I’ve learned to build from the ground up with shape, form and balance. Every small move I make, every small adjustment affects stability and the overall result, and I connect that to how small cellular changes can affect how a body functions.”
For Kendall Metts, third-year biomedical physiology student, participation led her to reconsider her own abilities: “Before taking an art class, I had no creativity. But dealing with art has really opened my mind — I’m someone outside of science. I can do other things.”
Ovid highlighted Cortona’s place in anatomical education: “We’re in the heart of where anatomy education was born and how that informed art in the Renaissance. Even though today it feels like art and science are completely different fields, we’re drawing from that history and bringing it back to life through this class. The anatomical structures we’re learning through drawing shapes our understanding of physiological function and vice versa.”
Classes were co-taught by Ovid and Kris Schramer—associate director of UGA Cortona—who alternated between scientific instruction on anatomy fundamentals and practical figure drawing sessions with live models.
Beyond classroom learning, students engaged with local health professionals thanks to coordination by Enza Valente at UGA Cortona. They participated in shadowing opportunities at pharmacies, dental practices, veterinary clinics, as well as volunteering shifts with La Misericordia di Cortona—a medical assistance association founded in 1285.
“Here, students get to live in a small and safe medieval town, making real connections to the city of Cortona. The experience that students get is unlike anything they have access to back home,” Valente said.
“I didn’t have the opportunity to practice emergency medicine back in the U.S.,” noted Diego Perez—a third-year student who also founded Corazón Consciente at UGA—regarding his time volunteering with ambulance staff. “I am grateful to have this experience because I can now say I am passionate about this and know that I can handle it.”
Lydia Venzon reflected on personal growth fostered by combining artistic practice with anatomical study: “I’ve learned how to approach the human body with empathy through the figure drawing class.” Third-year student Emmerson Sands noted improvements gained from working across language barriers: “It’s improved my observation skills and ability to understand others.”
As UGA Cortona celebrates its 56th year operating out of its base at John D. Kehoe Center within ancient Etruscan walls atop a Tuscan hilltop community of over 21,000 residents, leaders see biomedical physiology as part of ongoing evolution—encouraging students not just to choose between disciplines but embrace both.
For more information about UGA Cortona’s programs visit cortona.uga.edu.
