My first-ever clerkship rotation as a medical student immersed me in the realm of inpatient psychiatry. This profound and eye-opening experience blurred the boundaries between sickness and health. It challenged my preconceived notions and deepened my understanding of mental illness.
During those six weeks, I confronted the stark realities of individuals inhabiting different worlds within their minds. I thought I knew about mental illness and its impact, but witnessing the depth of the patients’ struggles and resilience left an indelible mark on me.
During this period, I created my piece “Beyond the Threshold” (above). This artwork visually explores the profound impact of mental illness on individuals and the barriers it erects in their lives. Later in the year, I encountered Trev Morgavi's essay "Double Black Doors" from the Fall 2016 Intima. The strong resonance between his narrative and the themes I grappled with struck me deeply.
In Morgavi’s essay, he describes a young woman who is not only physically but also emotionally trapped. Similarly, in my artwork, I depict these barriers using a house as an obscuring veil over the main figure's eyes. Morgavi shares moments of connection he had with the patient and the relationship they built. In my piece, the figure looks straight at the viewer through this veil, compelling the viewer to connect and see the person beyond the surreal scene.
The theme in Morgavi’s essay that resonated most with me was his struggle with the impact he could have on her care given the complex issues surrounding her. By combining the figure's gaze with my use of shadow, light and color, I aimed to evoke similar themes of confinement juxtaposed with glimmers of hope in my artwork.
Morgavi’s poignant story of connection with a patient and my piece "Beyond the Threshold'' both strive to capture moments of empathy and understanding amidst the surreal challenges of mental illness. Through these stories, we aim to underscore the importance of patient-centered compassionate care in mental health treatment.
By bringing my artwork into dialogue with Morgavi’s powerful essay, I hope to foster a broader conversation on these issues and offer my insights to future students, as we collectively strive to better understand our roles and capabilities in impacting those who entrust their care to us.
— Aubrey Reed
Aubrey Reed, a current MD/PhD candidate at Emory School of Medicine, brings a unique perspective to their pursuits. Driven by a passion for medicine and research, Reed is deeply committed to exploring the intricacies of human experience. Drawing from personal experiences as a patient, she seeks to highlight the humanity of patients and to foster discussions about empathy and empowerment. Utilizing art as a tool to delve into the complexities of illness and wellness, Reed integrates scientific inquiry with empathetic understanding, aiming to meet patients where they are at in their healing journey. By understanding their needs and goals, Reed hopes to help patients heal in ways that are meaningful to them, fostering holistic approaches to healthcare. Reed’s artwork, “Beyond the Threshold” appears in the Spring 2024 Intima.