Photography Commons^™

Curating Serenity, Archana Banda

be Still

Attention to me is appreciating the simplest things amidst the joys and hardships of life. Throughout my medical school journey, I have rediscovered the importance of practicing self-care, gratitude, and embracing an abundance mindset. Being self-aware about our own health and optimizing it allows us to care for patients with the utmost compassion and generosity. Paying attention as future physicians means empathizing with patients at their most vulnerable moments and restoring hope in a brighter future. Attention and generosity are inherently interconnected because when providers are attentive to their patients’ health concerns, they can be generous with their time and …

Message In A Bottle, Saptarshi Biswas

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

The title of the image is inspired by a famous old song by the British rock band The Police. The song featured Sting’s evocative lyrics and captures a profound sense of isolation and longing. The song tells the story of a castaway who sends out a distress signal, only to discover that he is not alone in his feelings of loneliness. Through its haunting melody and rhythmic pulse, the track conveys themes of connection and the human experience, illustrating how, despite physical separation, people share similar struggles and emotions. The metaphor of the bottle serves as a poignant reminder of …

Sun Shower, Patricia Curtin

Quill & Scope

No abstract provided.

Under The Ocean To Ocean Bridge: California In The Distance, Ivan Dominguez

Quill & Scope

Arizona, 2024

Economy Of Motion, Yatin Srinivash Ramesh Babu

be Still

This poem reflects the elegance and necessity of precision in medicine, particularly surgery, where "economy of motion" can mean the difference between life and death. Inspired by observing the intentionality of a surgeon's hands, I aimed to capture the poetry in their discipline—an artistry rooted in restraint.

Of Dolls And Jewels : Keeping As A Strategy Of Care And Belonging, Yuqi Fan

Masters Theses

In this thesis, I will discuss the psychology behind object attachment in the doll-keeping subculture by integrating doll language into contemporary jewelry. I researched the Chinese term “Pi” as an accurate way of explaining how doll-keepers are attached to their dolls. In this 21st century, the widespread use of social media and AI technologies have deepened people's reliance on virtual spaces, leading to emotional detachment in our society. Adopting the concept of “Pi” into contemporary jewelry, which encourages a shift in focus towards external objects, the practice of doll-keeping becomes a form of self-care that compensates for our current loneliness …

Sacred Oath Of Healing - Volume 9

be Still

No abstract provided.

The Hidden Scars Of Healing, Amanda Almeida

be Still

A photograph collection of Mark's unique road to healing, and a medical narrative.

The Circle Of Life And Care, Isabel M. Vera Machado

be Still

As a first-year medical student on the osteopathic path, my art is a reflection of my journey to balance creativity and the principles of holistic care. Osteopathic medicine’s focus on treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—aligns closely with my approach to art, which aims to capture the connections between humanity, healing, and empathy.

Through my work, I explore themes of care, connection, and the values I hope to uphold as a future physician. Whether it’s through symbolic imagery or simple, heartfelt compositions, my art reflects the importance of compassion and the human connection in both medicine and life.

For …

Cultural And Religious Perspectives On Suicide And Healing, Arielle Friedman

be Still

This essay is built off of a paper I wrote in a college global health course on culture and mental illness. I have always been fascinated by cultural interpretations of illness & believe that as a future physician, it is my responsibility to educate myself and others on the complex interplay between religious ideologies & recognition/management of biological disease in order to provide appropriate patient-centered care.

Layers, Kristin Hiemstra

be Still

I titled this work “Layers,” symbolic of the many intricate layers to healing, just as we see the many literal layers of a landscape in this photograph. In the foreground, you are met with a firm, unforgiving boulder — almost analogous to how difficult the initial phase of healing can be, or the setbacks that may be experienced throughout a healing journey. Your eyes then drift on to find the abundance of evergreens, some vibrant and thriving, while others are in their last stages of life. Finally, the mountainous layers take shape before ascending into the sky. Just …

The Masculine Way, Jessica Asuquo

be Still

This painting was conceptualized after a particularly impactful patient visit. During the visit, the patient described a traumatic event in greater detail, stating that the doctor and I were the first people he had ever spoken to about the event.

I felt both honored and disheartened by this statement. I was honored that this man trusted us with this knowledge. Still, I was immensely sad that he dealt with the trauma of this event alone for decades. I believe he released some of the grief, pain, anger, fear, and hurt when he shared his burden with us, and I will …

The Glacier, Emily Rodman

be Still

The Glacier discovers the inner workings of a medical student's mind as she devotes years of her life to eventually partake in the "sacred oath of healing." She knows that these years of medical training - filled with strife and joy alike - will eventually lead her to fulfill the career of her dreams, serving others.

The Sacred Healing Of A Little Warrior, Adrianna M. Zambrano

be Still

As a hopeful pediatrician, I find my sacred oath of healing to be inspired by the radiant positivity and resilience of children. My goddaughter was not even three years old when she had her first major surgery, and I was so worried about her future recovery. Then, she was just a few hours post-op and already cracking a smile. Her innocence and purity extended to the point where she made sure that she wasn't the only one being taken care of; after all, her "baby" Julie needed to be taken care of, too.

Nourishing The Body, Nurturing The Soul, Vidhi Raval

be Still

No abstract provided.

Our Sacred Oath, Jeffrey Joppen, Nisha Patel

be Still

We both tried to find a photograph that could demonstrate what our sacred oath to healing looked like. The stethoscopes symbolize this because they represent more than just a tool for auscultation, they are objects that directly connect a healthcare provider to their patient. When we place the stethoscope on our patient’s chest we listen to their heart and lung sounds and the unique vibrations and rhythms that the individual makes. This action demonstrates deep trust and responsibility for healing.

Frankenstein Colorized, Marianne Koleng

be Still

One of my favorite novel's growing up was Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. I see Frankenstein's desire to create a "Monster" as a way to grasp at the fundamental human drive for connection, and healing through connection. In this piece, I attempt to bring that inner yearning for fundamental connection to paper.

Beyond Myself - Healing Through Pain, Marianne Koleng

be Still

In this piece I reflect on the importance of setbacks, non-linear growth, injuries, and pain and their ability to provide self-reflection, a platform for growth, and an crucial reminder of the fragility of life. I have often been self-critical for not following a "traditional" path in life, and reflecting on my experiences allows me to show myself grace and hopefully may influence others to do so as well.

Winter Glory From The Bear Mountain Bridge, Steven Chen

Quill & Scope

The shadow of the Bear Mountain Bridge is visible to the left of the frame as a southbound CSX intermodal train crosses the trestle where Popolopen Creek empties into the Hudson River, following a fresh overnight snowfall that blanketed the hills. // Winter 2025

First Light, First Steps, Simoni Haji

Quill & Scope

No abstract provided.

Dancing In Poughkeepsie, Ivan Dominguez

Quill & Scope

New York, 2024

Last Light At Peekskill, Steven Chen

Quill & Scope

A late autumn afternoon finds the southbound Amtrak Lake Shore Limited train approaching the town of Peekskill, NY, as birds play along the water and the fiery colors of fall shimmer in the breeze blowing off the Hudson River. // Fall 2024

Hazy Summer Sunset At Scarborough, Steven Chen

Quill & Scope

The faint glimmers of the setting sun reflect off a northbound Metro-North passenger train as it travels through Scarborough, NY, with the Mario M. Cuomo Tappan Zee Bridge and Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse visible in the background. // Summer 2024

Water, Wind, And Drama At Dobbs Ferry, Steven Chen

Quill & Scope

A classic spring afternoon unfolds with strong gusts stirring the Hudson River into whitecaps crashing against the shoreline, as a northbound Metro-North train bound for Poughkeepsie glides along the water-level route, departing New York City and hugging the rugged riverbank. The One World Trade Center can be seen on the distant NYC skyline. // Spring 2025

Desert Tv At Cafecito, Ivan Dominguez

Quill & Scope

Arizona, 2024

4th Of July In Poughkeepsie, Ivan Dominguez

Quill & Scope

New York, 2024

Live In The Moment, Mary Kovoor

Quill & Scope

Great blue heron in Pleasantville, NY on a beautiful autumn day.

Spending time in nature has been proven to boost overall well-being.

Arrived!, Mary Kovoor

Quill & Scope

My granddaughter, Jasmine Maya, an hour after birth.

New life, new hope: our work will make her world a healthier place to live in.

Four Seasons From The Bear Mountain Bridge, Steven Chen

Quill & Scope

In every season, I visited the Bear Mountain Bridge and captured the same view of a southbound Amtrak train gliding along the east side of the Hudson River on its journey to Penn Station in New York City. Traveling alongside the Hudson, Amtrak forms an essential part of the passenger commute between places like Burlington, VT; Chicago, IL; Albany, NY; and New York City. I enjoyed exploring this area throughout all four seasons, and I hope this photo conveys some of my excitement and appreciation for its natural beauty. // 2024-2025

At The Border, Ivan Dominguez

Quill & Scope

View of the wall at the US/Mexico border. Arizona, 2024