Educational Projects And Programs

Photography and Medicine
Eric Hegedus, MSI, November, 2001

Art has been a part of my life, in some form or another, for as long as I can remember. My creative expression manifests itself in the form of photography. Having an avenue, other than speech, by which to express my thoughts and emotions is a way for me to keep balanced. Talking about balance sounds so cliche. So be it. Perhaps it would mean more if I said photography helps me find a kind of "homeostasis" In my life. As medical students, we spend a great deal of time thinking logically, scientifically. For me, it's been important to have ways of incorporating creative, abstract through into my life as well, because these are also key pieces of who I am

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My approach to photography has been very structured. Typically, I will come up with an idea for an image long before I shoot it. I like structured/contrived situations in which I can control the light, the texture...ultimately, the mood of the picture. If I have a certain message to convey, I want to be sure that it comes across. I do not feel obligated to create work that people like. I am perfectly content knowing that I have elicited AN emotional response from the viewer. I want the viewer to be moved. To be angry, sad, troubled, or happy. Upon entering into photography, I found myself viewing the world in a new way. I became aware of beautiful subtleties that I never paid attention to before: The way the sun arched over a grassy hillside, the shadow cast by a flower. I was seeing life through the lens...even when I didn't have my camera with me. The same subtleties I was noticing in nature were also coming to life in my personal interactions. I discovered that I was better able to read between the lines when I talked to someone.

Is there a link between photography and medicine? Maybe. I suspect that having a variety of ways in which to connect with and understand people can only be an asset to have as we embark on our journey toward becoming physicians We will be working intimately with patients on a daily basis. Let's try to bring more to that interaction than merely our scientific knowledge. We should try to bring our whole selves.

In the final analysis, I do photography for me, to find that homeostasis, to keep the various parts of myself in balance. I like to think this might make me a better person, and even a better doctor. So here is some simple advice to anyone who is interested: Make time for some kind of creative expression in your life. Rather than telling yourself, "I'll start after__________(fill in the blank)," just dive into something. And as with anything, learn from your mistakes...and move on.

If anyone has questions, I'd be happy to talk to you in person. Thank you for coming out.

Educational Projects And Programs

Photography and Medicine Eric Hegedus, MSI, November, 2001

Photography and Medicine
Eric Hegedus, MSI, November, 2001