A look behind the lens

Lipi Roy, MD, MPH, a primary care physician in the MGH Department of Medicine, has not only a knack for patient care but a passion for photography as well. Last year Roy used her creativity to compile a photoessay of 20 images portraying the lives of homeless men and women in Boston.

The project, “Capturing the Humanity in Homeless Persons: A Photoessay,” aims to tell the stories of those struggling to survive in Boston, and during a reception on June 10 at the Massachusetts State House, Roy was honored for her work.

“I’m a big advocate of using art to tell stories, to educate the public, and most importantly, as a form of therapy,” Roy says. “When this opportunity came along I thought, ‘Let me do this for the Boston homeless community,’ which includes many folks who get treated at the MGH.”

Roy’s project was funded by the MGH Winickoff Primary Care fellowship program, which provides practicing physicians with a chance to engage in creative projects outside of their everyday practice and aims to enhance their professional life and development, while contributing to the primary care community. As part of the program, participants spend one half-day per week for three months working on a project of their choice. During her fellowship, about 100 people between the ages of 21 and 85 who were patients of hers and her colleagues agreed to be photographed. She enlarged and framed 20 of the pictures for display at the State House. Roy’s photoessay will be showcased throughout July, followed by an exhibit at the West End Branch of the Boston Public Library in August.

“What I enjoyed most about this project was getting to know the patients, these special men and women, and hearing their stories,” says Roy. “The obstacles they have overcome are incredible. They’re hard working, diligent, caring and really appreciate the care they receive from nurses, nurse practitioners and doctors at the MGH, shelters and other community organizations.”

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