Art for Healing

@gingerw So true, Ginger. I think doctors should take art classes as part of their training so they can sharpen their skills. Maybe this is why I have learned so much about medicine with my combined art and biology science background, and all the experiences with medical appointments, physical therapists, and advocating for my elderly patients, and through the power of observation and reading medical research literature and understanding anatomy in 3 dimensions. I have been able to figure out things that doctors missed and overlooked even though I was giving them all the clues they needed. I would love to teach art classes to doctors. I even notice asymmetry in faces of people on TV commercials in the few seconds that I see them as if I was going to draw them, and I'm always thinking about how I could mix a color I see out in the world. If I am awake, I'm observing something most of the time. I do this listening to music too, and listen how the different parts and harmonies fit together, and can imagine the line without the rest of the accompaniment. My parents encouraged me toward medicine, but I decided against it after earning a pre-med degree. I worked in biology research for awhile, and I look at things from both perspectives. It's pretty exciting to me to look for ways that art and music can help patients and doctors. As patients, we tend to forget about the stress of being a physician and the responsibility it carries, and if doctors are less stressed our experiences with them will be better.

OK, how cool is this? A pediatric surgeon who draws pictures on the bandage dressings for his your patients. I love this and it's a way to help kids feel better about some scary procedures. What a cool doctor! He doesn't think he's an artist, but this is little drawings for healing for kids. https://www.akronchildrens.org/audio_video/725c0260866c4078a0b454986803bbf7-all-dressed-up-dr-robert-parry.html

I am thankful for the creative things we all can do. So many believe they have no talent. A sad thing I believe. Art is healing to my mind whether it be drawing or chopping veggies. It is the involvement with something that helps me the most.

I agree. Art is healing. Though I earned an MA in art education, sometimes I wish I had pursued a degree in art therapy. Everything I do I see through the lens of art. Surprisingly, I became a health/wellness author (38 books) and love it.

I also have an MA in art education from ASU. Maybe the emphasis on the right brain is what brings up the healer in us. I also became interested in alternative health approaches in my mid 20's when allopathic med wasn't helping my bi polar issues and I turned to Adele David and her books on eating right etc.

We are kindred spirits.

Yeah, how about that>>>>music too.

Just wonderful @jenniferhunter ! I’ve actually started on some sewing! By hand. I’ll try my sewing machine later today

@jenniferhunter I love this doctor! If all doctors cared that much about their patients to do something special it would make a world of difference.
JK

I wanted to share a story I recently discovered. The Mayo Brothers had a connection with Northwestern in Chicago, and commissioned a portrait of themselves and gifted it to Northwestern. Here is an excerpt and a link to the story.

"The portrait was presented to Northwestern University in 1929, partially in gratitude for an honorary degree of Doctor of Science bestowed to Dr. William Mayo in 1929* and in honor of Dr. Charlie Mayo's Alma Mater (Northwestern University), MD Class of 1888 and MA 1904. Dr. Charlie was awarded an honorary LLD in 1921. For many years there was an annual lectureship in surgery in his name at the medical school. He was recipient of the Alumni Merit Award in 1934 and was a trustee of the University."