Amniotic Twigs
“One morning while walking my dog, I noted a collectionn of small twigs with just a hint of frost on them. The pattern made by the twigs reminded me of the slides I examine when looking for ferning, a pattern made by amniotic fluid which confirms that a woman has ruptured her membranes during labor.”
Penal Code
When I see Rosa’s name on my patient list, I smile. I have known her nearly eight years. Under my care, she’s given birth to her last two children, and although she takes the kids to a pediatrician rather than me, we have an uncanny habit of bumping into each other outside the office. I’ve seen her and the kids in the market, at a park and in the hospital lobby, and I have been invited to, but could not attend, a family birthday party.
Callus
Lisa Gussak
About the artist:
Lisa Gussak is a primary-care doctor who has been practicing for nearly twenty years. Over the past few years, she has become increasingly interested in photography. “I am drawn to the natural world, where I find patterns and/or colors that interest me, particularly when the context is shifted or that which appears small is made large.”
About the artwork:
“I take a lot of pictures of trees, bark and lichen. In this image, I was interested in the way that this small knot of wood reminded me of the skin of many patients I’ve seen over the years.”
Visuals editor:
Sara Kohrt
