GNASHING OF TEETH | Jordan Davis

“I drew this gnarled skull to depict the sensation of a severe pain in the skull or face and to represent emotions associated with chronic pain. Disorders such as trigeminal neuralgia are famous for the intolerable suffering they cause and for the fear and mental anguish that lie between attacks. I have met patients with episodic pain crises and have had a mild experience myself with temporomandibular joint dysfunction. When I draw a representation of illness, I am doing my best to internalize what it means for someone suffering with it. By drawing my perception of their struggle, I am preparing myself to face and appreciate it when it presents itself.”

Jordan Davis is a third-year medical student at Mercer University School of Medicine in Columbus, GA. He is involved in student leadership on campus and in state medical student groups and participates with local volunteer organizations. He is a member of the Bioethics and Medical Humanities program at MUSM and is interested in research and advocacy within these disciplines. David wants to attend an internal medicine residency and complete a fellowship in pulmonary medicine. He has used his hobby of drawing with pencils and charcoal to enhance his learning and to express support for individuals and causes he is passionate about. He believes every medical student can participate in the humanities and enhance their appreciation and understanding of their life’s goal by doing so.