Trust Me, I'm a Doctor: A Comment on How Much You Know About Your Body

Abstract

The human body is a fascinatingly complex system of organs that work together in unison to create the functioning healthy human body with which we each are intimately familiar. To understand just a small specialized section of the body, some people seek out years of higher education in the form of an MD or PHD. Unfortunately the common person may never be exposed to even a fraction of that knowledge, leading to considerable misconceptions about physiology and health. Art is catchy medium that can encourage interest in physiology and medicine for the passerby more so than any textbook or college lecture could impart. My project involves developing a series of illustrative paintings highlighting each issue and pairing these with complementary essays detailing the basic science needed to understand the issue. Overall, my thesis will hopefully leave the viewer better informed about their body and share my own love of physiology and medicine with others.