Contemplation Before Surgery
The painting, “Contemplation Before Surgery,” is among Joe Wilder’s most well known, and shows a masked surgeon in scrubs gathering his thoughts before operating on a patient.
“It is here, at this moment, in the midst of the quiet bustle of the operating arena, that the surgeon stands alone, hands clasped in the classic aseptic position, in a loneliness only he can know.
In the last moment before action, he stands in contemplation, in prayer of supplication. it is now that he draws from the past, that he brings to bear all his knowledge, skill, and expertise in the service of another person.
Working with the unknown, he enters the unknown, whose final outcome can be known only when it is no longer possible to change it.” (1)
“My favorite painting of Joe’s is Contemplation Before Surgery,” says Koop. “I know the surgeon has just scrubbed his hands and arms to the elbow and while doing so was subconsciously or consciously going over the details of the operation. His body and mind are now as prepared as they will ever be to engage the surgical challenge ahead. He is also . . . communicating at all times with the other team players, for their contributions are significant if the surgery is to be successful.”
(1) M. Therese Southgate, MD cover editor JAMA journal of american medical association.
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