A scalpel cuts through flesh like a knife through butter. There are no second guesses, no hesitations. Just a cut. It’s a world of focus, in depth analysis and rational thinking. There is no room for imagination, artistic creation and intuitive passion. Or is there?
I have long viewed surgery as a creative art form, manifesting an idea or outcome through the works of the hands like a craftsman. When patients present to us, they don’t present as a disease; a cancer or hernia. They present as a person. A person with emotions, thoughts and dreams. They present as a human being. To limit ourselves in the management of our patients by simply treating the disease, with a focus on analytical thinking, overlooks the humane side of our patients. It is a fine balance switching between our ability to rationalise and emphasise. It’s a skill that as junior surgeons we have to master for the benefit of our patients.
My interest in health advocacy of surgical nature has introduced me to some fascinating concepts and creative aspects of advocacy and awareness. To quote Albert Szent-Györgyi: “Inventiveness consists in seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what no one else has thought.” I recently came across a campaign targeting breast cancer survivors while incorporating art and sensuality. It was based on body painting which is used to tell the story of the survivor. She carries her triumph on her body and not the scars of the cancer. To the world she shows her deepest feelings giving her strength and healing. It is through art that she sees herself once again. She is empowered and her power has the ability to reach out to others.
Projects like these make me proud to be in a profession where I am able to assist in providing the best possible surgical treatment to my patients while advocating for their emotional and psychological wellbeing. I’m creative by nature and I have chosen to act out my passion for health advocacy through art and philosophy. Ensuring that I maintain the right balance between creativity and analytical thinking is a daily adjustment that constantly requires self-awareness and intrinsic judgement. However it is an important task that can be life changing for many of our patients.
Creativity in the surgery is not only necessary for patients but vital for the growth and innovation of the field. It creates breakthroughs in surgical technology, interventions and techniques offering greater opportunities and rewards for our surgical colleagues. A workplace that thrives on freedom to express ideas, improvement in quality and collaboration leads to discoveries and healthy work environment. The reward may not come in the form of a prize but certainly in satisfaction that a new vision has the potential to lead to a lifesaving outcome.
For more information about the Breast Cancer Awareness Body Painting Project please visit the website www.cafepress.com/bcabpp
Until next time.