UCLA Journal of Radiation Oncology SUMMER 2024 - Flipbook - Page 4
CHAIR'S
LETTER
Dear All,
In the book Your Brain on Art, Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross introduce
the concept of Neuroaesthetics. The book makes a compelling case about
the bene昀椀ts of art and aesthetics not only in our personal lives, but even
in the practice of medicine. We were so inspired by the message in Your
Brain on Art, our Editor reached out to Magsamen and Ross for what
became an in-depth interview in this issue of the Journal.
While Your Brain on Art stands on its own, we also enlisted the help and
input of three “mega” artists to drive home the takeaway message—that
art is not just “nice to have,” or “nice to look at,” but essential in our lives
and in medicine.
KIKI SMITH is our Featured Artist.
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN is our Featured Poet.
(Yes, you read that right! “THE BOSS” BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN)
KELLY WEARSTLER is our Featured Designer.
Alongside these icons of the arts, this edition of the Journal highlights
our remarkable new resident classes and the recent contribution of Dr.
Luca Valle identifying differences in prostate cancer genomics among a
racially and ethnically diverse cohort of U.S. veterans. We also look at Dr.
Kishan and Dr. Weidhaas’ recently funded grant studying personalized
cancer therapy in prostate cancer, looking into mirSNP genetic markers
that predispose patients to adverse side effects from cancer treatments.
We celebrate our brachytherapy nursing lead Kayla Kafka-Petersen’s
recognition in nursing education excellence, which enhances not only
our own UCLA brachytherapy program, but brachytherapy nursing
programs around the world. Finally, we introduce our department’s
昀椀rst collaboration with TEDx, entitled Let’s Get Awkward to Get More
Connected, which explores the powerful and artistic tool of narrative
story in medicine and beyond.
We're proud to share this issue of the Journal with you. We hope it offers
you a respite from the “day to day” and an opportunity to catch up and
glimpse into the power of Your Brain on Art.
Michael Steinberg, M.D.
Professor and Chair
@MSteinbergMD