A Symbol of Healthcare: “Spirit Fire” Sculpture Unveiled at UIWSOM

On Friday, Aug. 9, the UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM) hosted an unveiling event for "Spirit Fire," a yule marble sculpture created by Dr. Catharine Stewart-Roache, award winning New Mexican artist and friend to Sr. Martha Ann Kirk, CCVI. UIW students, faculty and community members gathered at the school for a dedication and celebration of the sculpture, which the artist intends to symbolize "that each one has a holy spirit within them which can fill them with compassion and wisdom, and which can lead to action towards others."

Prior to the official unveiling, various UIWSOM faculty members welcomed guests, introduced Stewart-Roache and reflected on how the addition of this sculpture will contribute to the school.

Dr. George R. Holt, UIWSOM professor of Clinical and Applied Science Education, observed that before the ceremony, an individual pondered the deeper significance of how the sculpture relates to the essence of medicine. He answered that symbolism in medicine has been a constant within the healthcare profession for over a millennium. He cited examples such as the Red Cross, the spiritual symbolism of faith-based hospitals, and the coat of a healthcare practitioner, which embodies the duty, responsibility, trust, and knowledge they have gained through their education and training to care for the sick.

"What we are dedicating here today is the spirit of another symbol in healthcare," expressed Holt. "This wonderful statue by Stewart-Roache captures the dedication to caring for others within its reason for creation. As students, clinicians and medical educators, we have mostly good days, but we also have bad days that can weigh heavily on us. It is important to be reminded of the blessings that we receive from caring for those who seek to be well and healthy again. Sometimes, each of us needs a rekindling of the flame of altruism, especially on days when we do not feel up to the task."

Stewart-Roache explained that it was during her studies when she found that there are many references of light being associated with wisdom. To her, wisdom is essential to the work that healthcare professionals set out to do, and she hopes that when people touch 'Spirit Fire', they get in touch with wisdom.

"Wisdom is more than all the knowledge you're accumulating in school," stated Stewart-Roache. "Wisdom brings all your beliefs, hopes, relationships and all of what other people have told and taught you. Wisdom can reveal itself sometimes like a great big flame. Look for it within yourself. I'm happy to give 'Spirit Fire' to you."

UIWSOM students, faculty and community members took turns touching the sculpture and speaking with Stewart-Roache, expressing their gratitude for her artistic contribution to the school.

May Stewart-Roache's statue serve as a reminder of the guiding inspiration that motivates aspiring healthcare professionals, as they work to improve the world through their service to others.