For a seasoned surgeon like Dr. Don Hershman, operating is not just about precision and skill, but also about tapping into his creative side. In both the operating room and his art studio, he finds himself in a state of flow, where everything else fades away.
As a board-certified surgeon with a thriving career in San Francisco's medical community, Hershman knows that discipline and focus are essential. But what sets him apart is the mental agility that comes from navigating two vastly different creative spaces – one where precision is paramount, and another where artistry takes center stage.
For Hershman, both careers are intertwined. He notes that the mental clarity required for surgery also enhances his artistic pursuits. "The blank canvas is daunting," he says. "But when you're beginning a surgery, it's like embarking on an adventure – a creative energy that not many people experience."
In fact, Hershman's artwork reflects this unique perspective. His recent series, "Code-switching," explores the practice of adapting one's language, tone, and behavior to fit different social contexts. For someone who has had to navigate multiple identities throughout their career, as a gay man in medical school when being openly LGBTQ+ was not acceptable, Hershman is uniquely positioned to explore this theme.
For him, operating and creating are mirror images of each other – both require attention to detail, empathy, and an understanding that every individual deserves the same respect regardless of background or privilege. "It doesn't matter whether a patient is privileged or someone who's been marginalized," Hershman emphasizes. "When they're in that chair, they're just a patient. Everybody is equal."
In the end, both surgery and art have taught him valuable lessons about the human condition – empathy, respect, and compassion are essential for creating something beautiful, whether on canvas or in the operating room. As he puts it, "Healthcare is the privilege of it, and it makes you more human. As an artist, it makes me a better artist."
As a board-certified surgeon with a thriving career in San Francisco's medical community, Hershman knows that discipline and focus are essential. But what sets him apart is the mental agility that comes from navigating two vastly different creative spaces – one where precision is paramount, and another where artistry takes center stage.
For Hershman, both careers are intertwined. He notes that the mental clarity required for surgery also enhances his artistic pursuits. "The blank canvas is daunting," he says. "But when you're beginning a surgery, it's like embarking on an adventure – a creative energy that not many people experience."
In fact, Hershman's artwork reflects this unique perspective. His recent series, "Code-switching," explores the practice of adapting one's language, tone, and behavior to fit different social contexts. For someone who has had to navigate multiple identities throughout their career, as a gay man in medical school when being openly LGBTQ+ was not acceptable, Hershman is uniquely positioned to explore this theme.
For him, operating and creating are mirror images of each other – both require attention to detail, empathy, and an understanding that every individual deserves the same respect regardless of background or privilege. "It doesn't matter whether a patient is privileged or someone who's been marginalized," Hershman emphasizes. "When they're in that chair, they're just a patient. Everybody is equal."
In the end, both surgery and art have taught him valuable lessons about the human condition – empathy, respect, and compassion are essential for creating something beautiful, whether on canvas or in the operating room. As he puts it, "Healthcare is the privilege of it, and it makes you more human. As an artist, it makes me a better artist."
. It's not like he's got to keep his emotions in check 24/7 or anything 
. But hey, if surgery and art can both be about empathy and respect... maybe that's why we need more surgeons-turned-visual-artists in this world 
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I think what's so inspiring about Dr. Hershman's story is how his experiences as a surgeon have influenced his art, and vice versa. It shows that creativity can thrive in unexpected places, and that being in flow can happen in multiple aspects of life. 
The way he talks about operating and creating as mirror images of each other makes total sense to me - both require attention to detail and empathy towards the individual. 
What I love most is his emphasis on respecting everyone's humanity, regardless of background or privilege. It's a powerful message that we can all learn from. 
I mean, who knew surgeons could be artists? Like, I've seen some weird stuff in my time online, but this guy's code-switching series is actually kinda deep 
. And now he's using his art to explore the idea that everyone deserves respect, regardless of who they are or where they come from 
. It's like he's saying that being human is all about empathy and compassion, whether you're stitching up a patient's wound or creating some sick art 
like he's speaking straight to my soul. His art studio and operating room are two sides of the same coin, you feel? He's all about that mental clarity and flow state - I need that in my life right now! 
It's so deep, I'm already thinking of buying some of his art pieces for my room 
. The fact that he emphasizes respect for all patients regardless of background or privilege is just... *chef's kiss* 
. This doc is not only a surgeon but also an artist and a total humanist 
. It's like his mind is all about adaptation and connection – from switching between languages to navigating different patient identities 
. And it shows in his artwork, where "Code-switching" takes on a whole new meaning 
. For Hershman, it's not just about mastering two different skills – it's about understanding the person in front of him (or on the canvas) 
AND YEAH HE TALKS ABOUT HOW HIS MENTAL CLARITY FROM SURGERY IS HELPING HIM WITH HIS ART... THAT MAKES SO MUCH SENSE!!! I LOVE HOW HE'S USING HIS EXperiences AS A GAY MAN IN MEDICAL SCHOOL TO INSPIRE HIS ART AND SPREAD A MESSAGE OF EQUALITY AND RESPECT 
. Its amazing how mental clarity from one can boost creativity in another. I'm not sure about this "code-switching" series tho... sounds kinda deep for me 
. But seriously, what resonates with me is his emphasis on respect & empathy towards patients. It makes sense that in both art & medicine, those qualities matter most 
.
I love how Dr Hershman's two passions - medicine & art 
. The whole "operating room = art studio" thing is wild, but it kinda makes sense when you think about it. He's got a solid point about empathy and respect being key to both. And honestly, who wouldn't want to be a better artist because of their experience as a surgeon? 
. I'm not saying Dr Hershman isn't talented, but his art is literally just a bunch of code-switching metaphors 
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. But seriously, I love how Dr. Hershman is using his art to talk about empathy and respect – it's so important in both medicine and life. And can we talk about how cool it is that he's a gay man who's been through medical school? That takes a lot of courage 
. And I love how he says that healthcare makes you more human, too - that's so true 