Alexandra Norcott, MD, admired the paintings of her patient, Gail Fields, at an April 1 art show. Knowing Fields' last request was to share some of her paintings, Dr. Norcott worked with EP 4-7 staff and other departments throughout the hospital to put the art show together in just two days.
Artist Gail Fields found her greatest joy in bringing beauty to others – chronicling on canvas the gardens, landscapes and seascapes that had captivated her since childhood.
So when Alexandra Norcott, MD, learned that the artist she helped care for at Yale New Haven Hospital had a final request to share her life's work, she and Deirdre Doyle, RN, patient service manager, and Carolyn Haight, RN, assistant patient service manager, General Medicine (EP 4-7), set into motion a mission that involved physicians and staff from throughout the hospital. Knowing Fields' time was limited, staff with Patient Experience, EP 4-7, Volunteer Services, Food and Nutrition, Facilities and other departments put together an art show in just two days.
The April 1 show at the York Street Campus featured not only Fields' paintings, but food and music. Fields and her family members joined the dozens of physicians, hospital staff and visitors who came to admire her work, which has been exhibited in galleries throughout the Northeast.
At the show, Dr. Norcott got a smile from her patient when she told Fields she and other members of the care team had enjoyed caring for her – getting to know her, her artwork and her sense of humor.
Noting how quickly word of Fields' request spread through the hospital, Michael Bennick, MD, medical director, Patient Experience, said, "I am remarkably moved at what's possible when we pay attention to the goals our patients set for us." To Fields, he said, "Your story has touched many people here."
