AMA Journal of Ethics

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.

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.

This image aims to promote reflection about patients’ feelings of sadness, despair, helplessness, and uncertainty upon being diagnosed.

Counseling a patient about reconstructive surgery for a traumatic and disfiguring injury requires special consideration.

End-stage heart failure patients can experience depression along with their chronic illness. Multidisciplinary responses are critical.

Social determinants and freedom situate newcomers’ capacity for well-being.