Looking through the kaleidoscope: Healing connections through the art of medicine.

Through the kaleidoscope imagery, the interconnections between art and health inspire our works of art in the visual and digital realms. The art of medicine is an essential skill in the repertoire of practicing healthcare professionals as a means of communication in medicine and patient care. Art heals. It forges connections among medical professionals and patients, families and healthcare teams. In sync, the works of art, colourful spirographs that focus on radial symmetry, display the visual connections and illustrate the colourful communication that brings together medical management and treatment plans to promote healing and improve the lives of patients. Inspired by their patients, all three artworks, ‘Morpheus,’ ‘Red Pill, Blue Pill,’ and ‘Neo’ embody abstract and open-minded interpretations of the intersection of art and medicine. ‘Morpheus’ highlights the fluidity of diverse dreams, shapes, and colours, emblematic of the diverse experiences and hopes of both patients and healthcare professionals in elevating the health of each other and our communities. ‘Red Pill, Blue Pill’ represents the various choices and voices often incorporated into challenging medical decision-making, and finally, ‘Neo’ illuminates the hope of medical treatment and recovery of our patients to lead healthy and fulfilling lives, for both the present and future generations beyond (Figures 1–3). Julia H. Miao and Kathleen H. Miao graduated from Cornell University with BAs in Biological Sciences. Passionate about patient care and community service, Julia and Kathleen enjoy exploring their passions in patient advocacy, medical humanities, research, and visual art narratives in medicine. Inspired by the many patients they cared for, their artworks have been exhibited across the country.