Pablo Picasso: Head of the Medical Student
Discussion Questions
What strikes you about Picasso’s representation of the medical student?
In reference to Picasso’s painting, Arthur Kleinman wrote: “One of our eyes is open to the dangers of the world and the uncertainty of our human condition; the other is closed, so that we do not see or feel these things, so that we can get on with our lives. But perhaps one eye is closed so that we can see, feel and do something of value.” How does your interpretation of the painting align with, deviate from, or build on Kleinman’s analysis?
What do Picasso’s “Head of the Medical Student” and Singh’s “Morning Report” reveal about managing expectations of ourselves and others in health care?
Reflections from #MedHumChat
“There's something unsettling about that black eye. I just can't put my finger on it. The closed eye makes me think of the never-ending exhaustion most of us have felt. That small mouth brings me back to the days when I felt like nothing I said even mattered.” —@TaraRHEE
“I love that the student seems to be sleeping peacefully but also has one eye open (?) or is observing the world around them at the same time. It makes me think of sleeping while on call (or in lecture).” —@DianaCejasMD
“I love the one dark eye and the one light. I reminds me of how I feel.The black lines look a little like tears which adds to this idea that there is a duality in how we view the world. One a little darker and sadder, another more bright and optimistic.” —@pskantesaria
“The general disorganization of facial features is reflective of how I often feel I look when not well rested, particularly during exam weeks or times of little sleep.” —@KatyaLavine
About this #MedHumChat
“Head of the Medical Student” was paired with “Morning Report,” an article by Sonia Singh for a #MedHumChat discussion on November 6, 2019 exploring Managing Expectations.
We were honored to be joined by two special guests. Sonia Singh, MD (@SoniaSinghMD) is an aspiring writer and primary care physician at Stanford Health Center. You can learn more about her here. Jennifer Adaeze Okwerekwu, MSc, MD (@JenniferAdaeze) is a resident physician currently training at the Cambridge Health Alliance in Psychiatry. You can learn more about her here.
The pieces for this chat, along with the discussion questions, were selected by Anoushka Sinha.
About the Artist
Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973) was a painter and sculptor who is famous for having mastered a range of artistic styles in his lifetime. You can learn more about him here.