Reimagining a classic responds to modern demands on patient-clinician relationships while suggesting the persistence of this relationship’s sanctity.

Some patients’ stories can be hard to tell and hard to listen to, especially in pressured, time-pinched clinical environments.

In 2010, artist Shengxun Lin created Hold Me, a cast resin replica of her own hand as a comfort object and stress reliever. This work continues that practical design theme with a focus on how use and comfort augment aesthetics.

In isolation, we are physically apart; in solidarity, we are together. The COVID-19 pandemic emphasizes our social responsibility to maintain physical distance from one another. In doing so, we solidify our collective strength.

John is one patient-sitter whose cancer and portraiture experiences illuminate what it means to witness, to express regard for another’s difficult health and health care experiences.

Sitting for his portrait gave William an opportunity to reflect, even when he was not inclined naturally to do so.

Lisa is one patient-sitter who took comfort in the permanence of portraiture amidst the uncertainties of tongue cancer. Her experience offers an abundance of lessons for art and healing.

Anthony is one patient-sitter whose experience of head and neck cancer diagnosis, surgery, and recovery suggests how silence is ethically, artistically, and clinically significant.

Portraiture facilitates learners’ explorations of their own and others’ biases, limitations, and approaches to gathering information from and about a source.

Intersections of humanities and health care prompt students and clinicians to look beyond science and into the emotional journeys of caring.