Capturing Moments: A Journey Through the Healthcare Environment
PI: Dr. Gillian Sonia Hendriks
Emergency Medicine ACP
SPECIFIC AIMS AND MISSION:
As members of the EM ACP Wellness Committee, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of health and well-being among our staff by staying at the forefront of evidence-based wellness measures and academic resources, ensuring our practices align with the latest research and recommendations. Together, we strive to create a supportive and thriving environment for the holistic well-being of our team members.
We propose the implementation of a photography-focused project titled "Capturing Moments: A Journey Through the Healthcare Environment." This project aims to explore how a deeper dive into the humanities, particularly photography, can teach physicians to be better observers and appreciate the moments within a busy workplace.
BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
The SDMHI Medical Humanities Grant presents an exciting opportunity to explore and celebrate the convergence of medicine and the humanities. Through innovative projects like "Capturing Moments," we aim to cultivate a culture of empathy, creativity, and self-care within our healthcare community and also develop for following benefits:
1. Enhanced Observation Skills: Photography workshops serve as a platform for healthcare professionals to hone their observation skills. Through learning essential photography techniques and practices, participants develop a heightened sense of awareness, enabling them to perceive details within their workplace environment that might have previously gone unnoticed.
2. Promotion of Mindfulness and Presence: Engaging in photography encourages individuals to be present in the moment, fostering mindfulness. As participants immerse themselves in capturing the intricacies of their healthcare environment, they cultivate a state of focused attention and appreciation for the present, which can serve as a powerful antidote to stress and burnout commonly experienced in high-pressure medical settings.
3. Expression of Empathy and Connection: Through the lens of a camera, healthcare professionals have the opportunity to document moments of empathy, resilience, and connection in their workplace. By visually capturing these aspects of human interaction and compassion, they not only celebrate the profound impact of healthcare but also deepen their own sense of empathy and connection with patients, colleagues, and the broader healthcare community.
4. Creative Outlet and Self-Expression: Photography serves as a creative outlet for self-expression and exploration. Beyond the rigors of medical practice, engaging in photography allows healthcare professionals to tap into their artistic sensibilities, fostering a sense of fulfilment and balance in their lives. The act of framing and composing shots encourages creative problem-solving and innovative thinking, skills that are transferable to clinical practice.
5. Community Engagement and Recognition: The culmination of the project with a photo exhibition and awards ceremony not only celebrates the creative endeavours of participants but also fosters a sense of community and camaraderie within the healthcare setting. Recognising and showcasing the photographs not only elevates the profile of the healthcare environment but also acknowledges the contributions of healthcare professionals beyond their clinical roles, promoting a culture of holistic wellness and appreciation within the workplace.
In summary, the "Capturing Moments" project not only equips healthcare professionals with valuable photography skills but also fosters holistic wellness by promoting mindfulness, empathy, creativity, and community engagement within the healthcare environment. Through the lens of a camera, participants embark on a journey of self-discovery and connection, enriching both their professional practice and personal well-being.
Showcasing original photographs gathered from the " Capturing Moments " project
