Foreign Bodies (Berries)
Veronica Gibbons (2026)
acrylic on paper
This painting reminds us that beneath every incision is a unique individual, shaped by experiences that cannot be standardized. Medicine is inherently unpredictable, and while training emphasizes mastery of uniform knowledge, that focus can shift attention toward efficiency, performance, and personal progress. The unexpected blueberries disrupt this mindset, highlighting that while anatomy may be shared, each patient is different. The piece underscores the responsibility to stay adaptable and attentive—not just to the procedure, but to the person—recognizing that caring for patients requires presence and flexibility as much as technical skill.
Veronica is a medical student in the West Virginia University School of Medicine class of 2028. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Swarthmore College, where she also played collegiate soccer. Her interests in medicine include plastic surgery, rural outreach, and the role of the humanities in patient care. Outside of medicine, she enjoys endurance sports such as trail running and triathlon, as well as painting, creative writing, and spending time outdoors.