San Francisco (June 10, 2024) – In a striking fusion of artistry and environmental advocacy, the UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery recently earned high recognition at the 2024 UCSF Waste to Art competition held at Parnassus Campus in San Francisco last month. The department's submission, "Lady of Justice," was created by Dr. Alicia Asturias and Dr. Rosanna Wustrack. The piece emerged as a poignant symbol of the healthcare sector's environmental impact and the pressing need for sustainable practices.
"I am excited to announce that 'Lady Justice,' amidst some very competitive, beautiful submissions, received an honorable mention," Dr. Asturias said. "She performed beautifully at the showcase, and she even got a tour of pre-op to finish out her reflections on waste in surgery!"
Winners of the art competition were recognized at Millberry Union. Dr. Asturias and Dr. Wustrack are pictured on the lower left. (Photo: UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery)
Standing at an impressive five feet tall, "Lady Justice" is constructed from materials sourced from the Orthopaedic Institute at Parnassus, Mt. Zion, and Mission Bay. Her bodice, a complex layering of drapes, paper, and plastics, overlays a recycled Halloween skeleton, a fitting nod to her creators' specialty.
"She embodies the principles of justice, blind and resolute, wielding her sword and scales to weigh the environmental cost against patient care benefits," Dr. Asturias said.
Aimed at conveying the message of waste management in medical and laboratory settings, the competition evaluates entries based on originality, quality, sustainability, and social impact. The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery's "Lady of Justice" stood out in all these categories.
The final plaque accompanying the artwork reads: "Lady Justice has been portrayed by artists in many ways—sometimes with a sword, sometimes alongside animals, sometimes made of trash for a Waste to Art project at UCSF. Regardless of her portrayal, her meaning remains the same—an unbiased, blinded quest for what is just, fiercely guarding her virtues and protecting the truth. As doctors, we have vowed to 'Do No Harm.' But what happens when avoiding harm in one arena causes it in another? Where does the balance lie?"
This message, which invites viewers to ponder the ethical dilemmas faced in modern healthcare, encourages reflection on how to balance patient care with environmental stewardship.
"'Lady of Justice' not only highlights the ingenuity and dedication of the UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery team but also serves as a call to action for sustainable practices within the healthcare industry," Dr. Asturias added.
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