A doctor named William Osler was credited with having come up with the idea, a long time ago, that there was art and science involved in medicine – meaning that helping someone heal is about knowledge and skill, but also compassion and relationships.

This story is about the art of medicine, and about Blessing Express Clinic certified medical assistant Maria Wells. 

Her father earned a doctorate degree in art education. Maria is as comfortable with a paint brush in her hand as she is a stethoscope.

“I’ve always equated art with happiness in my life,” she said. 

Maria is passionate about sharing that feeling with her patients, “Art has been proven to bring joy to people.”

So, about four times a year, in-between patients, you’ll find Maria painting the windows of the garage doors at the Express Clinic, and also the large mirror inside.

Currently it’s a daisies-giraffe-and-zebra motif. The giraffe was suggested by the young son of a patient. His name is Bryson and he is recognized in the paintings.

“He has come in and seen it and he is ecstatic,” Maria reports.

The zebra is in honor of Maria’s grandson who lives with a disability.

“We recently learned my grandson’s diagnosis. He has a rare disease that only 500 people in the world have. The symbol for rare diseases is the zebra. So, I added a zebra in recognition of my grandson. I try to include animals typically to appeal to the kids.”

Big kids like Maria’s art, too.

“I thought it would mainly come from kids, but adults enjoy the art as well,” she said. “I have people tell me they drive by and look to see what is on the windows.”

Ann Awerkamp Dickson is one of those adults.

“I saw all these happy flowers across the glass windows of all the doors, I thought, ‘Well, that is a welcoming touch,’” said the administrative director of the Blessing Foundation. “I felt it really was very welcoming and calming, especially for children.” 

“Such a personal touch of human connection for patients to feel someone’s heart is also in the game. They care - they have technology to help diagnose why one might not feel so good - but also they are creating and bringing a bit of heart and soul into the connection of caring,” Ann concluded.

Nice work, Maria, in more ways than one.