Using art to bridge research and policy: An initiative of the United States National Academy of Medicine

Art can often act as an entry point for conversations that can be difficult to engage in naturally and spontaneously. The National Academy of Medicine (NAM), a non-profit organization principally focused on solving pressing issues in health and medicine through traditional scientific methods, has recently begun to use art as a way to expand its impact and intentionally include underrepresented voices. Over the past 2 years, the NAM has launched two nationwide art projects aimed at sharing the lived experiences of people from across the United States and giving voice to the challenges they face. Visualize Health Equity asked communities to share their understanding and perceptions of health equity and its role in supporting the well-being of all people. Expressions of Clinician Well-Being called on artists to explore clinician well-being and its connection to quality patient care and a thriving health system. Together, these projects provide insights into the experiences of hundreds of people and contribute to a national dialogue on topics that are critical for the nation’s prosperity. (author introduction)