ART IS MEDICINE
An inspiring new art exhibit opened at Sylvester for patients, caregivers and visitors. Located in the atrium of Sylvester's main building, the "Art is Medicine" installation features photography and artwork that span the vibrant landscapes of South Florida and Brazil, creating a bridge between cultures and showcasing the intersection of art, science and patient care. The exhibit is titled "Bridge to Bahia," named for the northeastern Brazilian state that serves as the inspiration for many of the pieces.
One of the exhibit's unique features is its integration with Sylvester's scientific community. A QR code displayed with the artwork links to faculty profiles highlighting bidirectional scientific collaborations, education and patient care.
The exhibit includes works from Sylvester's Patient, Faculty, Staff and Community Arts Challenge, which brings together the creativity of the individuals connected to the institution. The exhibit's photography, which captures stunning images of Brazilian landscapes, warms the hearts of visitors. It honors the creativity of the community and celebrates the contributions of Sylvester's faculty and trainees from Brazil.
The artwork is not just for visual enjoyment – it serves a therapeutic purpose, as research has shown that viewing nature can significantly improve mental and physical well-being.
"Art has the power to ground us," said Lara Traeger, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist at Sylvester. "For cancer patients, images of tranquil landscapes or vibrant gardens can reduce anxiety and stress, lower heart rates and even increase focus and attention."
This art installation, therefore, is not just a display but also a sanctuary of peace that can uplift the spirit of anyone who interacts with it.
Curated by Desert Horse-Grant, Sylvester's chief transformation officer, the exhibit aims to create a place of calm and hope. The carefully selected pieces represent destinations that many dream of visiting, providing a momentary escape from the stress of treatment. "We hope that this exhibit can transport people to a place of peace and wonderment," Horse-Grant said.
The exhibit is a powerful reminder of Sylvester's work, from its community impact in South Florida to its research and patient care. This is evident in the work of Sylvester's faculty, such as Denise Pereira, M.D., a Brazilian-born physician who completed her medical training through Sylvester's Harrington Medical Training Programs. Dr. Pereira, associate professor of clinical medicine in the Division of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy at Sylvester, has helped expand the use of stem cell therapy, offering leading-edge treatments to the local community.
Faculty members like Gilberto Lopes, M.D., associate director of global oncology, are leading efforts to improve cancer care through mentoring and educational exchanges. These collaborations extend into Sylvester's research endeavors, such as the groundbreaking studies on gastric cancer Wael El-Rifai, M.D., Ph.D., associate director of basic science and associate vice chair of surgery at Sylvester, is conducting.