Takeaway
Art is a form of reflection on my career as an ICU physician. Through this painting, I wanted to capture the contrast between the technical aspects of medicine and the emotional reality of losing a loved one.
Creative Arts in Medicine | November 5, 2024 | 1 min read
By Zeina Moukarzel, MD, MPH, Beirut, Lebanon
I painted this piece in 2016, shortly after leaving my career as an ICU physician. The painting captures a poignant scene: a dying patient whose heart—the last organ to stop functioning—lies at the center, while a grieving family member, dressed in black, keeps vigil. Around them, healthcare professionals stand waiting to begin the organ procurement process. Through this painting, I wanted to capture the contrast between the technical aspects of medicine and the emotional reality of losing a loved one.
It was only after stepping away from my career that I gained a new perspective on the practice of medicine. Sometimes, in focusing on the clinical aspects of death, we can become disconnected from the profound human grief unfolding before us. This may be particularly true in ICU settings, where patients are often severely ill, sometimes in medically induced comas and intubated. We may find ourselves listening more to the sounds of monitors than to loved ones in need of empathy and compassion. Now, looking back, I wish I’d understood the vital importance of truly listening. I’m now aware of the importance of deep listening with empathy.
“I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.”—Ernest Hemingway
This piece expresses the views solely of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of any organization, including Johns Hopkins Medicine.