Our Impact

"As the performance, Shadows, unfolded before our eyes, we, in the audience, crossed a metaphorical bridge between the science of medicine and the human experience of illness, allowing for a deeper, more empathetic understanding of the emotional impact of mental health and addiction in the context of relationships. Engaging with Shadows acted as an entryway into a conversation about what might be happening in our patients' lives beyond what we see in an office visit. Shadows is an example of how engaging with artistic expression can serve to shock us out of complacency, and allow us to dust off the unsung skill of thinking and feeling at the same time. "

"This performance put things more into perspective. This can be useful in my own work environment by helping patients’ reported thoughts [and] feelings come to life and become realistic.

Reminds me that we only see patients for a brief short time at the clinic and then they are out living their lives. We’re just a snapshot. Artistically beautiful and thought-provoking…provocative!”

“As a psychiatrist, I love Dottie for its ability to display the personal, unseen journey of dementia from the standpoint of the person themselves, as well as their caregivers. Too often, someone’s past is forgotten when they seek medical care, and they are relegated to a diagnosis or a set of medications. Dottie reminds us that, beyond the black and white, is a person with a full past which should be remembered and respected.”

“Dottie’s story offers a powerful reminder to us all that a person, with a lifetime of memories and experiences, will always be more than her dementia diagnosis. Thank you for sharing Dottie with us.”

"[Dottie] made me recognize the reality of patients with dementia are living with. Think of a day in their shoes. Try to remember who they were and honor that, look beyond the hospital bed.

I learned how important it is, especially in the healthcare setting, to react to where the patient is, and it can positively impact outcomes. How fleeting the past and present can be in the mind of the patient. That they can be focused on something you can’t imagine - like holding an object may transport them into a memory and you’re unaware."

"Allow myself to be personally affected by my patients' stories. Removing the veneer of professional roles allowed me to be more easily emotionally connected.

I think remembering the fear and loss of personhood of the patient experience, when I go into a room. Also sharing this with the healthcare team. Or maybe sharing learning my patient stories so I can help to remind them.

Strong medicine."