I am …

In the era of COVID-19, it has been challenging to feel connected one another in meaningful ways. During these unprecedented times, we have had chance reflect upon ways created significant bonds with people our lives, including residents, faculty, and patients. Looking back, experience that found both unexpectedly moving particularly was act connecting each other by examining art together. Instead classical paintings might find framed a museum, explored Baltimore’s murals spread across city’s neighborhoods. As part residency’s health humanities curriculum, goal look at vibrant street better understand lived environments communities which vowed serve during residency beyond. Our group emergency medicine residents attendings were not quite sure what expect as boarded bus embark on mural tour. Baltimoreans transplanted city from corners far flung New York, Washington, Lebanon, ourselves journey opened eyes love, sacrifice, humility, pride Baltimore embodies. pulled away medical campus, saw hospital’s silhouette come into view. After just few blocks, disembarked for first stop. The juxtaposition front us, spanned entire block’s length, hospital looming background nearby, jolting. We left steel glass confines amidst splashes paint adorning walls church. proceeded tour, viewed discussed whimsical depictions neighborhoods, abstract representations between religion community, visual commentaries social injustice. tour progressed past row-homes stoops, particular caught eye—at corner Biddle Street, dedicated self-expression outer wall building. black, gray, white hues, many faces looking back us. Each face local resident superimposed words “I am” finished single word person chosen represent themselves, ranging “love” “commitment” simply “here.” ranged young old, men women, hinting personal style tops T-shirts suits visualized within mural. discussion turned how individuals chose identify themselves power choice expressing oneself. reflected this concept identity plays much larger narrative see versus (and city) are often portrayed pop culture media. While greater conversation focused history violence or socioeconomic disparities various dialogue fails recognize unsung strengths city—resiliency, passion, commitment tomorrow. those silent boldly declaring who they world, also discussing different facets can have. It encouraged us consider only perceive others but impact day-to-day lives department. halls when typically refer patients cold, clinical shorthand—the “COPDer” room 33, “DKA patient” 37—are really appreciating entirety are? This powerful reminder an existence beyond their room, do wear labels illness, defined disease. allow else would say if faces, painted shades stared proudly mural? Who am ….”? through came view, hoped seeing artists be something could carry On day, perhaps even started close metaphorical distance patients, help truly connect, wish seen, shared humanity.