The UAB Department of Surgery is highlighting faculty, residents and staff who have an intriguing out-of-the-office hobby. The goal of the series is to connect individuals across the department by helping illuminate out-of-the-office moments and achievements.
General Surgery Resident Laura Stafman, M.D., Ph.D., is an upcoming chief resident and attended medical school at the University of Florida. Stafman aspires to be a pediatric surgeon.
Since joining the department as a resident, Stafman has had many successes. She earned her Ph.D. in Cancer Biology at UAB while studying hepatoblastoma cell signaling in the Beierle Lab.
Stafman is a member of UAB’s Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, presented at and attending several national surgical society meetings, and received a travel award for the 2018 American Pediatric Surgery Association Annual Meeting.
Stafman is also a second-generation artist.
What inspired you to start this hobby?
“My mother is a calligrapher, graphic designer, and book artist who worked from a home studio when I was a child, so I grew up around art. She always encouraged me to try new things and helped me get started on a variety of artistic hobbies including sewing, quilting, and calligraphy. I actually started painting with paint-by-numbers in medical school, but didn't pick up painting and drawing on my own until residency. I started as a way to make some art to hang around my house, but found that it was a great way to relax outside work and continued after my walls were sufficiently covered.”
What does participating in this hobby mean to you?
“Much of what we do in the care of patients is regimented and protocolized. Painting and drawing is a way for me to release my creative side. It is also a way to show those around me that I care about them. I try to make handmade cards for birthdays, holidays, or just because someone seems like they need a pick-me-up. I love the idea that a piece of art can provide inspiration to others and I hope to be able to do that with some of my pieces.”
What are the paintings or pieces of artwork that you are most proud of?
“In the past, I have submitted pieces to the UAB School of Medicine Art Show. This is a wonderful annual event hosted by the Alpha Chapter of Alpha Omega Alpha and the Alabama Museum of the Health Sciences. Entries from medical students, residents, fellows, and faculty are auctioned off to benefit the Hope and Cope Program at the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders and Children's of Alabama.
Given my interest in pediatric oncology, this is a great way to give back to that community while also donating pieces to prevent my home collection from growing too much. I have shown some of my previous entries in a photo included here which were watercolors and tea towels embroidered with anatomic organs and flowers. My favorite piece in this group was, ‘She believed she could so she did,’ which was purchased by one of our anesthesiologists as a gift for his daughter.”