After shadowing an orthopedic hand surgeon, I was confronted with the power of our hands in defining our autonomy. I reflected on my experiences as well as read scientific literature to grow my understanding of the role of autonomy in healthcare. These works are a product of my ongoing investigation. Each work investigates a dilemma related to autonomy in different life stages: childhood, young adulthood, mid-adulthood, and late adulthood. Though inspired by observations directly related to the function of our hands, my works are not about the ableness of our hands but are instead about how our hands provide a connection to the world around us. Over time, I realized that although the word “autonomy” implies individualism, one can only be autonomous if they feel supported by the people and environment around them – autonomy relies on interconnectedness to exist. With this portfolio, I reflected on the power of my hands not only in my own life but also in the lives of others as I use my hands to protect and restore the health and wellness of others as a physician.
