Optimal healthcare is one of the main concerns of most societies. Defining the ideal medical curriculum is an important and difficult task. Dealing with human health and well-being requires unique knowledge, competence and behaviour. The adequate balance between scientific and technological excellence and a more humanistic approach has been an ongoing challenge in medical education. The importance of the humanities and their value for future physicians became apparent in the later part of the twentieth century. The emergence of Narrative Medicine showed how literary and narrative work could be beneficial for both physicians and patients, promoting empathy and greater engagement in the clinical setting. Literature and art have been useful in medical education, promoting skills that are fundamental for all aspects of medical practice. The ability to observe, analyse, compare and reflect upon literary texts and artworks fosters critical thinking and diagnostic skills. Medicine is considered an art, and knowledge in the humanities enriches and enlightens physicians, improving their lives and those of their patients.