The Art of Human Care

By Nyame-kye Kondo, Special to the AFRO 

Renowned surgeon and author, Dr. Hassan Tetteh, recently released his book “The Art of Human Care” and held a book signing on Sept. 26 at TheArc in Southeast, D.C.

The piece is a narrative that “combines the healing power of art and compassion, and personifies the human condition through compelling stories,” according to MadMimi.com.  Tetteh’s book is a reflection of both his life work and the experiences that inspired him to become a doctor. The current chief medical informatics officer for the United States Navy, Tetteh, is a certified heart and lung surgeon, as well as a former combat surgeon. 

Dr. Tetteh believes that art and science are hand-in-hand when it comes to a patient’s healing. “Without health, leaders cannot lead, artists cannot create, teachers cannot teach, and soldiers cannot battle for our freedom. Health empowers people to do the things that matter,” he said.

Reading excerpts from his book, Dr. Tetteh also shared the space with the performance troupe, Poet Life, and the D.C. based nonprofit, Miriam’s Kitchen.

All proceeds from the book are donated to the organization, and the featured performers are also clients of the Kitchen and will benefit directly from Dr. Tetteh’s efforts. “Dr. Tetteh’s, generous donation will support our Studio program, which is a therapeutic, safe space for guests to freely express themselves through painting, drawing, jewelry making, sculpting, writing and more,” said Mei Powers, chief development officer of Miriam’s Kitchen. 

Dr. Tetteh’s book directly correlates with the program by exploring themes of rehabilitation, and art therapy while in the midst of an experience that changed his life and altered his thinking long before be became a doctor.

His book “shares how his own life-altering, near-death experience profoundly affected his approach to health care and ultimately lead to his development of ‘The Art of Human Care’ theory,” notes his website. 

This juxtaposition and understanding has enabled Dr. Tetteh to use his knowledge as both a patient and a doctor to heal others.  

“It is essential to recognize that greatness in a society depends on its capacity to cultivate and respect compassion, to appreciate the beauty in art, and to realize that those two capacities are bound together in the human spirit. ‘The Art of Human Care’ aspires to remind us of this fundamental insight,” Tetteh said.