Doctor Finds Inspiration in Art for Cardiology Practice

Jamil Aboulhosn, MD, uses drawing and painting to enhance patient care and medical education

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Dr. Jamil Aboulhosn, director of the Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, has integrated art into his cardiology practice in innovative ways. From nightly sketching sessions to custom artwork for patients, Dr. Aboulhosn demonstrates how creative expression can improve understanding, communication, and surgical precision.

Why it matters

Dr. Aboulhosn's approach highlights the growing recognition of the value of incorporating artistic practices into medical training and patient care. His work suggests several potential future developments, including enhanced medical visualization through virtual and augmented reality, increased integration of art therapy for cardiac patients, and the possibility of AI-assisted artistic diagnosis.

The details

Dr. Aboulhosn's artistic journey began in childhood in Lebanon, and he initially considered a career as a cartoonist before pursuing medicine. During his anatomy studies at UCLA, art remained a constant companion, and the connection between art and cardiology solidified during his residency when he found himself instinctively drawing complex congenital heart anatomy to better understand it. He now utilizes his artistic skills to explain procedures to patients, sketch diagrams to aid in minimally invasive surgeries, and challenge his students and fellows to visualize and draw anatomical structures. Beyond patient communication and education, Dr. Aboulhosn's meticulous diorama-building has also honed his focus and hand-eye coordination, which he believes directly translates to his surgical work.

  • Dr. Aboulhosn began sketching under the couch as a child in Lebanon.
  • He considered a career as a cartoonist before pursuing medicine at UCLA.
  • The connection between art and cardiology solidified during his residency at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

The players

Jamil Aboulhosn, MD

Director of the Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, who has integrated art into his cardiology practice in innovative ways.

Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center

The medical center where Dr. Aboulhosn works and directs.

UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine

The medical school where Dr. Aboulhosn studied anatomy and developed his artistic approach.

Harbor-UCLA Medical Center

The hospital where Dr. Aboulhosn had his residency and solidified the connection between art and cardiology.

Camp del Corazon

A program for children with congenital heart disease, where Dr. Aboulhosn creates personalized artwork for the campers and their families.

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What they’re saying

“A light went off in my head.”

— Jamil Aboulhosn, MD, Director, Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center

What’s next

As medical professionals continue to recognize the value of incorporating artistic practices into their training and patient care, we may see further developments in areas such as enhanced medical visualization through virtual and augmented reality, increased integration of art therapy for cardiac patients, and the potential for AI-assisted artistic diagnosis.

The takeaway

Dr. Aboulhosn's approach demonstrates how creative expression can enhance understanding, improve communication, and refine surgical precision in the field of cardiology, suggesting that the integration of art and medicine may become more widespread in the future.