Exploration and practice of humanistic education for medical students based on volunteerism

Humanistic education aims to promote educated people’s practical and conscious activities to enhance their humanity, cultivate ideal personalities, and realize personal and social values, to develop a humanistic spirit. The advancement of higher education in China has led to the proposal to strengthen scientific and humanistic education integration. Medicine is between science and humanities, shouldering the important task of training senior medical personnel, the quality of medical students will affect the quality of future medical and health work; thus, medical students must explore and practice humanistic education. Promoting and practicing volunteerism is a specific act of constructing spiritual civilization in the whole society, and it is also considered beneficial for improving citizens’ sense of responsibility and dedication. Medical students’ practice of volunteerism and help in society is a precise manifestation of humanistic care. This review summarizes medical students’ exploration and practice of humanistic education in volunteering.