Saturday, April 25, 2015

Week 4 - MedTech + Art

The development of technological integration in medicine and health has been sensationalized with the works of Orlan and Caps, among other artists, but its effects often goes unspoken for how it has revolutionized patient care with incorporations of art and technology.  Professor Vesna shared the growth of biotechnology and the portrayals of it through body performance art, which truly shocked and surprised me.  I wanted to take a closer look to see how the medical technology first came out before it became portrayed as such a spectacle rather than as something respected.

Medicine now requires a scientific and artistic background
The emphasis on this incorporation of art into medical treatments and the technology utilized to provide cutting edge care is clear from how doctors are now being trained and selected.  After all, medical schools are "emphasizing more 'right brain' characteristics (including imagery, poetry and drawing) may actually hold greater value in the eyes of some experts" (Glatter).

The evolution of 3D printing is another example of how art has played its role in medical advancements.  Scientists have been able to engineer hearing aids, and with the help of the artists (or artistic left brains), they have been able to specialize them to each individual patient.  Even custom made casts can be created, and soon "we’ll be able to make organs from our own stem cells and replace them when needed, and all without the fear of rejection or lifelong dependence on harsh drugs" (Kotler).


Popular medical shows illustrate this evolution, including Grey's Anatomy, with 3D modeling and printing to help aid patients.  The video clip above represents both the spectacle and awe that may come with such advancement.
Brain scans reveal harsh realities and a beauty of biofeedback

Diane Gromola further highlights the unique way technology and art can really individualize treatment plans for patients, with computerized aids to help patients through biofeedback and meditation.  Brain scans are analyzed carefully for their effects, but the grand mechanism behind what they illustrate is beautiful all in itself.

Biotechnology has been often viewed in a scientific lens, but its value comes both from its emphasis on art and science.  The sensationalization of such advancements need not overshadow how modern machinery can change and improve medicine and the human body.


Works Cited

Glatter, Robert.  "Can Studying Art Help Medical Students Become Better Doctors?" Forbes.  20 Oct.  Web.  24 Apr. 2015.

"Grey's Anatomy SE10x08: Meredith's New Printer." Online video clip.  Youtube.  Youtube, 19 Jul. 2014.  Web.  23 Apr. 2015.

Gromola, Diane.  "TEDxAmericanRiviera - Diane Gromala - Curative Powers of Wet, Raw Beauty."   Online video clip.  Youtube.  Youtube, 07 Dec. 2011.  Web.  23 Apr. 2015.

Kotler, Steven.  "5 Medical Technologies Revolutionizing Healthcare." Forbes.  19 Dec. 2014.  Web.  24 Apr. 2015.

Vesna, Victoria.  "Medicine pt3."  Online video clip.  Youtube.  Youtube, 22 Apr. 2012.  Web.  24 Apr. 2015.


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3 comments:

  1. UnknownApril 28, 2015 at 1:20 PM

    I think 3D printing is a great example of how art and medical technology can be incredibly powerful together! The ability to create an organ out of one's own stem cells has amazing potential, and certainly not as much progression towards this would have been made without the help scientists, doctors and artists together. I also always find it interesting when TV shows like Greys Anatomy talk about and use this new, cutting edge technology!

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  2. UnknownApril 29, 2015 at 12:44 AM

    well written piece. i think the found the 3D painting really interesting because i have seen this art before but didn't know what it meant but now i see how you tied this to the hearing aid making me understand how art influenced it. thanks for sharing i learnt something !

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  3. UnknownApril 29, 2015 at 12:11 PM

    Thank you for your insightful blog post. I think it's awesome how shows like Grey's Anatomy, which is a labor of art in itself, are featuring medical technologies like 3D printing in their episodes, emphasizing the connection that art, technology, and science have. It was a great idea to include this clip in your blog. I also had no idea that the medical field was taking a more holistic approach to treatment by making an effort to lean towards the employment of both the left AND right brain. This is a great idea, in my opinion, because healing takes a little bit of both sides. Thank you for your well-written contribution this week, it definitely contributed to my understanding of the material.

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