Tasneem Kaleem
About the artist:
Tasneem Kaleem is a radiation-oncology resident. “I was always artistically inclined from a young age, engaging in painting, dance and violin. I spent a summer in Rome studying artistic anatomy, which piqued my interest in medicine.” Kaleem’s artwork has been featured in many exhibitions, and recently her pastel work was selected to be a front cover for an international medical journal.
About the artwork:
“Waiting rooms bring together people for a purpose–to obtain medical attention. Whether it is you or a family member, it is a stressful yet universal experience. Some may be waiting for loved ones to return from surgery; others maybe awaiting a meeting with the doctor to review a recent diagnosis. The waiting room is where we come within close proximity of one another for a common purpose. Despite this closeness and shared experience, most waiting rooms are quiet because of the psychological distance between those present. I have observed this not only as a physician but as a patient. I find it paradoxical because the waiting room could be a source of support. I decided to depict the disconnect between people in order to raise awareness of this phenomenon.”
Visuals editor:
Sara Kohrt
1 thought on “When We Wait”
Wonderful portrayal and choice for sharing with the Pulse community! These days, the business of healthcare can also lead to disconnects between patients and providers, and even between providers. I resonate with the sadness and frustration emanating from this image, and am grateful you bring attention to the problem.