Mentee: Nia James
Mentor: Lynn McKinley-Grant, MD, FAAD
Howard University
I spent my SOCS observership with Dr. McKinley Grant in Washington D.C. During this time, we had the opportunity to work closely on a project of equal interest and enthusiasm: Art and Dermatology. During my observership we created a bridge between the Howard School of Medicine, and Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts. Through several planning meetings, and exchange of ideas, we put together the Art and Dermatology grand rounds event. We brought dermatology residents, attendings, and medical students from Howard, Georgetown, and GW to the Howard University Art Gallery for a morning of teaching and art observation. The Art and Dermatology grand rounds consisted of lectures on color theory, history, photography, and a special word from the Dean of Fine Arts, Phylicia Rashad. After this, trainees went to the gallery, where they broke up into small groups, each led by an art student. Groups analyzed each painting, taking careful note of color, undertones, shape, movement, and texture, then presented their thoughts to the larger group. This activity was designed to help students grow their descriptive terminology, refine the eye, become comfortable with ambiguity, and increase empathy. Residents remarked that the event was insightful in serving as a catalyst to expand their clinical descriptions of skin presentations and adopt a more detailed approach when looking at gross and microscopic pathology.
Through my SOCS observership with Dr. McKinley grant I gained a profound understanding of the symbiotic relationship between the realms of art and dermatology. The experience allowed me to witness the transformative power of interdisciplinary collaboration. Working on the grand rounds project not only honed my organization and planning skills, but also deepen my appreciation for the potential impact of merging seemingly disparate fields. This event enhanced my ability to appreciate the intricate details of both dermatology and fine art, fostering a more nuanced and empathetic approach to dermatologic diagnosis. I was encouraged to transcended traditional boundaries, refine my observational skills, confront my own relationship with ambiguity, and ultimately recognize the broader connections in the realm of health care and education.
Lastly, from this experience I've had the invaluable opportunity to form a relationship with a mentor with similar interests and values. I'm excited to continue working on projects involving art and dermatology with Dr. McKinley Grant. As we continue to create an exchange between the school or art, and the school of medicine here at Howard, I continue to learn just how integrated these two fields are. This experience has afforded me the opportunity to seek guidance in a mentor who has a long-standing interest in this area of education. The SOCS observership has granted me with this invaluable experience and relationship, and I look forward to the future projects that are in store.