People who know me as Dr. Attardo are often surprised to learn that I am also an artist.
There were many accomplished artist in history who were physicians. (reference link below) There is substance behind the phrase “the art of medicine “. There is definitely a science to the creative process . The physician - artist relationship is a natural one.
Physician training requires heightened skills of observation. We are first scientists who study and appreciate nature; macroscopic and microscopic. We appreciate structure and function and the natural order of things.
The artist observes and becomes intimate with nuances of shapes colors etc. in the world around them. But instead of taking notes and learning nomenclature, the artist represents observations on canvas.
Physicians are familiar with the process of refinement and problem solving. The idea of starting with the general and working through a differential diagnosis is similar to the the artist “ block in” and then working out issues of perspective, color, value, composition, and edges.
Stress is high and continuous in the life of physician . The creative physician benefits from diversion. Getting into the zone is a phenomenon frequently experienced by all artist and it can be a refreshing pool of water available to quell the burning-out physician. For me, painting is getting lost in the woods ; sometimes frightening but always meditative and so satisfying when I find my way back. And when the physician paints , in spite of frustrating moments, no one will die when the wrong color paint is mixed.
Exercising creativity helps physicians improves focus and problem solving. Diagnostic skills improve and subtle changes in patients are detected intuitively. The tendency for physicians to develop creative interest is a natural one. So transition, especially after retirement, is a natural one for me.
