Surgical Heroes

2027 x 2875 | The fundamental human question "is human existence meaningful or absurd" must be asked by all sentient beings and surgeons are not immune. Questions regarding the meaning of life may be critically analyzed from multiple perspectives: existentially, dialogically, historically and/ or metaphorically. Regarding the latter, in the occidental intellectual tradition of the journey to wisdom, two archetypical metaphorical figures have emerged that address the question of meaning– the hero and the saint–although an inherent tension exists between them. Nevertheless, there is no discipline which more vividly exemplifies the potential interrelationship between them than the surgical profession. Patients look to the surgeon as a hero, with awe and respect, seeking inspiration and help. Patients look to the surgeon as a saint, with gratitude and humility, seeking solace and hope. "Surgical Heroes" is an artistic tribute to all surgeons over the world who dedicate their entire life to the practice.