Art therapy is a well-known practice in the world of health care. At UF Health, patients can participate in hospital and community programs designed to promote health and wellness through music, literature, visual arts and dance.

Handling craft materials, for example, helps some patients improve fine motor skills and manage symptoms like tremors, while the self-expression and reflection often involved in the creative process supports mental health.

For those on the other side of health care, creating art can be just as beneficial. Whether it is woodworking, oil painting, photography, digital art or even crochet, making time for creativity helps care providers, students and researchers recharge and find beauty in their work and surroundings.

Here, eight College of Medicine students, residents, faculty and alumni share samples of their art, their inspirations and their hopes for how their creativity impacts health care and beyond.