Wilderness Image

This is an actual electrocardiogram (ECG) of an inferior ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) transformed into a painting of mountains. The image combines my love of emergency medicine, art, and the outdoors. A STEMI is a serious medical emergency that requires prompt intervention. When taking care of a sick patient requiring immediate care, health care providers often do not have the luxury of time to take a step back and reflect beyond the medicine. When we treat our patients, we are not just treating a medical condition but a person with his or her own hopes, dreams, passions, and memories. Behind every ECG is a story. This painting was created by overlying a photocopy of an ECG with acrylic paint. The original lines of the ECG were used as a guide to shape the mountains. Painting by Lindsey Ball, MD.