#ilooklikeasurgeon Artwork by Andrea Gahl Highlighted in JAMA Network

Millennial Madonna, or Estell, Finally by Andrea Gahl, oil on canvas, 30 × 48 in, 2018.

August 17, 2018

The Department of Surgery highlighted artwork by Andrea Gahl, trauma nurse coordinator at Harborview Medical Center, in the Spring 2018 Surgery Synopsis issue, in the article “#ilooklikeasurgeon Art,” for her paintings promoting and respecting diversity in the surgical community. Andrea’s artwork has now been highlighted in a JAMA Network article “Deck the Halls With Diverse Portraits” featuring her painting “Millennial Madonna, or Estell, Finally.”

Andrea reflects, “I think of artists as observers and recorders of culture, past, present, and imagined futures. I was honored that Drs. Wellbery and Mishori saw one of my portraits as an example of the diversity of future leaders in medicine. I’m grateful to the many residents who sat for me and shared their stories with me. Their stories and perspectives on racial and gender equity encouraged and inspired me to continue exploration of the topic through my paintings. I’m heartened that more medical institutions are realizing that tangible representation by both race and gender are critical and am hopeful that accompanied with intentional institutional interventions, we can create an inclusive culture that allows for diversity of perspectives and improves the care we provide to our community.”