Volume 5

September - 2019

Cover: Untitled

I snuck in a vacation to Alaska with my mom in between taking my Step 2CK exam and starting clinical rotations in 3rd year. We only had a few days there (but the sun never set so they felt like long days!). It was the breath of fresh air and exposure to nature I needed before starting up another academic year.

Letter from the Editors:

Welcome to Art of Emergency Medicine, a curated art blog dedicated to showcasing the creative side of emergency professionals!

How amazing that we have been able to now share 5 wonderful volumes of art crafted and created by your fellow emergency professionals! We’re excited to be taking this site in a direction that is more directed to stories of well-being and inspiration for each piece. This site is focused on the amazing providers throughout the world and we have a fantastic opportunity to truly showcase their talents.

First FLower

This was the first flower that I picked from my garden in our new house. I shot it with an iPhone on my dark countertop. There is light that shines and lights the center of the flower.

Centered

This is a crocheted mandala wall hanging constructed with worsted weight acrylic yarn in black, white, and gray.

I use crochet and fiber art as a therapeutic and artistic outlet. It helped me get through medical school, and though I don't have as much time nowadays in residency, a few minutes each day of my favorite hobby help to remind me that I'm a whole person outside of medicine.

City Living

One of my favorite photos from Vienna, Austria.

Quail Pyrography

Created using pyrography. One of my first pieces, hope it's ok for a shaky one eyed old guy.

Lost in the Weeds

Often times in medical school I have found that it is far too easy to become bogged down in the details. You are surrounded by residency applications, mandatory coursework, research, volunteer sessions, or prepping for the next board exam. It can all be so much that sometimes you get lost among the requirements, or weeds, and forget your path or reasons for entering medicine in the first place. This picture reminds me that while these requirements exist, they do not need to define my path. I am open to choosing whatever path I desire, and one that suits the type of emergency physician I hope to become. It also reminds me that the weeds, or requirements, aren’t always negative; there are beautiful flowers among them: the smile from a patient, the success of your colleagues, receiving that first interview invite. All wonderful positives that you can take time from your path to enjoy without becoming bogged down or lost in the weeds. I hope that as this piece helps me with a reminder to see the positives in the day-to-day, it helps others and similarly contradicts feelings of burnout that they may be feeling.

This piece was made during a hike with my fiancee. A small moment of quiet from the hectic life of the LA city. A moment where, though I was not catching up on sleep or physically relaxing, allowed me to mentally relax and return to clinic the next day both rejuvenated and refreshed. Photography has had a similar effect for me. Regardless of where I am, pulling out my camera and taking photos for 5-10 minutes has always given me a refreshing feeling and new outlook on the day.

Do you want to see your art shared with the community? Don’t forget to submit today!

Finally, don’t forget to share Art of Emergency Medicine with your colleagues, friends, and family on Twitter or Instagram and like us on Facebook for all the latest news!

This Months Featured Artists:

Adam Goodcoff

Medical Student by day, World Traveler, Photographer, and Fitness Addict by weekend and nights. When Adam is not seeing patients or studying, he’s planning his next adventure. Adam is the Co-Founder and one of the Creators at The Med Life.

Daniel B. Clarke

Daniel is a retired EMS provider who spent 25 years in service before being disabled in the line of duty. He currently does artwork to try and stay active. He loves sharing gifts.

Diana Trumble, MD

I'm an EM PGY1 in California. I use crochet and fiber art as a therapeutic and artistic outlet. It helped me get through medical school, and though I don't have as much time nowadays in residency, a few minutes each day of my favorite hobby help to remind me that I'm a whole person outside of medicine.

Giuliano De Portu, MD

I was a professional photojournalist and went to medical school at 33. Currently still doing imaging for fun! You can see more images at www.giulianodeportu.com.

Haley Vertelney

Hello everyone! I'm a 4th year medical student applying into EM residency programs as we speak. I'm more of a weekend warrior when it comes to art and the pieces I'm submitting are from an incredible vacation to Alaska I was lucky enough to take. Taking the pictures made me appreciate my surroundings even more. When I'm not in the hospital, you can probably find me out trail running, backpacking with friends whenever possible, learning (devastatingly slowly) how to play the mandolin, and making my way through the Ottolenghi cookbooks.

Jonathan Warren, MD

A PGY-2 at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and founder of Art of Emergency Medicine. His hobbies include photography, hiking, Netflix, and dogs. He’s always on the lookout for the next adventure. Find more of his photography on Instagram.

You can learn more about the artists featured in this and other volumes at our contributors page!