Healing Through Art and Medicine: Shatha’s Journey of Passion and Resilience
Shatha’s Journey: A Fusion of Art and Medicine
Shatha, a Palestinian Jordanian, was born and raised in Jordan. Her extraordinary journey as a medical doctor and artist commenced in 2020, the same year she completed her MD. For Shatha, this dual path is not just a career choice but a testament to resilience, passion, and the transformative power of art and medicine.
The Catalyst: A Personal Tragedy
The loss of her father after a tragic car accident profoundly shaped her life. After a year-long coma, her father passed away, leaving an indelible mark on her. This experience ignited her passion for medicine. Determined to understand his medical condition and help others facing similar challenges, Shatha vowed to become an extraordinary doctor. Her father’s journey became a cornerstone of her achievements and instilled in her a profound empathy for those in need of healing.
The Harmonious Coexistence of Art and Medicine
Balancing medicine and art is no small feat, but for Shatha, it is a harmonious coexistence. Art serves as her refuge, a meditative escape from the demands of her medical career. Her artistic creations are deeply inspired by humanity and the challenges she has faced. Whenever the pressures of medicine mount, Shatha turns to her art, which has always been her relief system and a source of strength.
Art with a Purpose
Many of Shatha’s artworks reflect the stories of victims of war and hardship worldwide. She states, “A lot of my art was inspired by victims who faced wars worldwide. I made my art to raise funds for humanitarian relief for people who are demolished and in poverty. Success and hardworking women were my inspiration to draw lovely, famous, hardworking, and successful women. Some other artwork was for breast cancer survivors and Alzheimer’s disease patients.”
A Unique Perspective
Shatha describes herself as having “a heart of 18 and a brain of 50,” a unique perspective born from a life of challenges that cultivated her maturity and authenticity. This outlook shapes her medical practice and artistic creations, allowing her to find joy in the journey rather than focusing solely on achieving the end goal. “Because I faced a lot of challenges in my life that raised more maturity and authenticity in my personality. That made me enjoy the journey more than fighting to reach the dream,” says Shatha.
The Value of Effort Over Perfection
Creativity is central to Shatha’s well-being. She believes in the value of effort over perfection, encouraging others to try their best, even if they can’t always be the best. This mindset has been a guiding principle in her life, helping her overcome challenges and thrive in her medical career and artistic pursuits.
Art and Medicine: A Symbiotic Relationship
Her medical background profoundly influences her art, and vice versa. She has used her artwork to support medical causes, creating pieces for breast cancer survivors, Alzheimer’s patients, and mental health awareness. This integration of art and medicine exemplifies her belief in the healing power of creativity. “I managed my art to help medicine by creating artwork for breast cancer survivors, Alzheimer’s disease patients, and mental health issues,” says Shatha.
A Philosophy of Kindness and Humility
Shatha’s kindness, love, and humility philosophy underscores her desire to inspire others. She believes that everyone has the potential to make a difference and that supporting each other with compassion can create a more peaceful world. As a woman, she emphasizes the importance of confidence and mutual empowerment. She says women are uniquely positioned to understand and support one another, making collective success even more impactful.
Advice for Young Women
For young women unsure about pursuing multiple passions, Shatha offers sage advice: “Find yourself and choose the field that aligns with your personality and goals. Don’t follow society’s agenda. Be creative and true to yourself, whether it’s cooking, sewing, or something entirely different.”
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Shatha is brimming with exciting plans. She is venturing into fashion design, aiming to collaborate with renowned fashion and art brands. Simultaneously, she is pursuing her medical career with a specialization in internal medicine, a field she has been passionate about since medical school. With her dedication and multifaceted talents, Shatha inspires others to embrace their passions and strive for a balanced life.
