Using creativity to solve problems is nothing new to third-year School of Medicine student Yiran Wang. It’s what drew her to study science as an undergraduate student at Cornell University, where she was preparing to pursue a career as a synthetic chemist. But a summer shadowing program at New York Presbyterian Hospital helped her realize a passion for medicine—and much more.
"It was electrifying to be in that environment—to observe surgeries and procedures in the operating room, witness connections develop between physicians and patients in conversation and learn from all different members of the healthcare team," said Wang. "I felt like there was nothing else I'd rather do than medicine."
Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine research and clinical training appealed to Wang for many reasons. "I wanted to be part of a collaborative and supportive student community," she explained. "I also liked that the curriculum offered flexibility to explore career and personal interests, which for me included research, teaching and art."
It was her love of art that sparked an idea. Modeled after courses at other medical schools, she and her fellow classmate Brooke Quinton created an anatomy art elective class, Drawing from Life: Study and Observation of the Human Anatomy. The class, a 10-part course facilitated by Wang and Quinton, is designed to reinforce anatomical concepts of the various organ systems through drawing. Read more about this course in The Daily.
"Brooke and I bonded over our shared interest in art. We worked together to design an art course that could help inform our medical training where we get to develop and practice observation skills, reinforce our anatomy knowledge and relieve stress," said Wang. "Taking inspiration from courses and other programs, we formed our course around the observation and depiction of organ systems and the human figure."
Outside of the classroom and art studio, Wang pursues her love of the arts by taking classes at the Cleveland Eclectic Dance and once a year dusting off her trombone to perform at Doc Opera.
Looking ahead to her career as a physician, Wang is unsure what area of medicine she wants to pursue but is looking forward to this year’s clerkships to illuminate her path.