It is with great pleasure that I announce The Warren Alpert Medical School's first Artist in Residence, Rachel Balaban!

The Artist in Residence (AIR) is a new position funded through the generous support of a family interested in the medical humanities and their importance in the education of caregivers at all levels. In this spotlight, we've asked Ms. Balaban to tell us more about herself and her vision for integrating arts into medical education.

Please join me in welcoming her to our community as we explore this exciting intersection of art and medicine.

What do you want us to know most about you?

I’m an Aries, so I have a LOT of energy and love to be with people. My family and friends are my world, and I also take time for myself, usually by swimming. I’m one of those crazy people who likes to swim in the ocean without a wet suit in the winter. I’m always on the move and trying new things–food, cultures, etc. At heart, I’m a kid who loves to inspire others to find the delights in the world around them.

What are you most excited about doing in this role?

I’m excited for people to see how the arts can benefit themselves and their patients. I’m excited about giving a louder voice to arts in health and working with healers to help them do the best job they can—not only for their patients but for themselves. The arts provide rigorous critical thinking skills, new perspectives, and tools to help prepare doctors for the unknown. They also teach us to take care of ourselves in ways that help us to be the best we can be. As a dance instructor, I know the power of dance and movement to help people find peace and joy in their bodies, reducing stress at the same time. Each art form has its magic, and I look forward to helping students, faculty, and staff find and/or deepen the art form that speaks to them.

Art heals. My work in this role is to help integrate art with healing and well-being.  

How do you see this role improving the culture of well-being?

Art creates space for clarity in our lives by making us pause and reflect. It fosters connection to self and others and encourages self-expression. It helps us make sense of the world and transcend our day-to-day lives to envision what’s possible. Students and faculty within the Warren Alpert Medical School lead extremely busy lives. By offering arts experiences in our community, we’re providing opportunities to create profound connections with ourselves and others.

How do you care for your well-being?

This is something I’m good at. My friend jokes that I have more rituals than anyone she knows. I incorporate these into my daily routine: I meditate twice a day, walk my dog, and either swim or do yoga. Being outside as much as possible is critical for my sanity. I’ve recently added ping pong, which guarantees both sharper hand-eye focus and a daily dose of laughter for my husband and me. I’m lucky that my work is also my passion; I teach 4 to 6 dance classes weekly. A strong believer in the adage “You are what you eat,” I eat a diet consisting of mostly vegetables, fruit, grain, fish, and yogurt. And, yes, dark chocolate and cappuccino, too. Finally, I’m really good about taking time for myself when I need it.