The Art in Surgery: The Relevance of Artistic Expression in the Surgeon's Life

Abstract

Art is as vital to the surgical profession as science itself. Surgeons can nurture themselves with the sensitivity and creativity of the art world. The surgeon as an artist works in the human body with diligence and care. Without the daily benefit of artistic expression, the surgeon’s work would be incomplete. I would suggest, then, that clinical programs incorporate some art form in the training of future surgeons. The understanding of the human body, its forms, contours, and plasticity are critical to the student of surgery. The integration of human tissues, the disposition of internal organs, their constitution and reconstruction are basic to the practicing surgeon. The human body is also critical to the artist, so art can become a reality for both the surgeon and the artist. Art gives wholesomeness, understanding of esthetic functions, development of detail in the configuration of organs and tissues, and, most of all, appreciation of the human body within the context of the biological system. As art has advanced, surgery also has reached significant heights. Artists have conceived new forms and applications and surgeons have encountered new means for organ repair and disease treatment. The symbiotic relationship of art and surgery can propel both to new levels of professional excellence, where both disciplines can maximize the characterization of their expression. If art helps the surgeon improve technical skills, it would be reasonable to stimulate frequent communication between artists and surgeons. Could the surgeon’s technical skills be enhanced by the artistic experience? Or does the surgeon study and practice art to improve his conceptualization of the artistic form? Both questions can be answered truthfully in the affirmative: artistic experience will improve the surgeon’s perception of the surgical process and, of course, the study and practice of art will create an environment of attention to artistic detail that will potentially translate into better surgical technical results. The operating theater, the most sacred cathedral in the surgeon’s world, offers the perfect setting in which great events can unfold. Surgeon, patient, room, and circumstance occupy the evolution of the