Rex Lagerstrom, M.D.
Internist, Baptist Health Medical Group-Internal Medicine-MedEast, Louisville
Artist (drawing/printmaking)
How long have you been an artist?
My undergraduate degree is in art (specifically drawing and printmaking). I have a master’s in stained glass and design as a post graduate degree. I have been a working artist for most of my adult life. I have been represented by numerous private galleries and I have an extensive amount of work in private and corporate collections along with museum’s and university collections. I have numerous medical illustrations including a neurology textbook (authored by Dr. William Olsen) and a monograph on the original Jarvik 7 artificial heart program authored by Dr. William DeVries.
How did you get interested in art?
Art is not my hobby, it is an integral part of my life.
Why do you enjoy it?
It is a profoundly spiritual endeavor with many similarities to the practice of medicine. Traditionally physicians were required to take basic drawing classes to illustrate in their charts regarding their patient’s physical condition.
How does it help relieve your stress?
I wouldn’t say it relaxes me but it keeps me alive and grounded.
