From Medicine to Masterpiece: Physician’s Artwork on Display at Vandalia Health Mon Medical Center

The lobby of Vandalia Health Mon Medical Center is now home to a new and inspiring display — a vibrant collection of paintings created by one of its own, Andrzej Jaworski, MD, FCCP, DABSM.

Dr. Jaworski, a pulmonary and sleep medicine specialist at Mon Medical Center, showcases his passion for visual storytelling and global culture through his art—capturing vibrant moments and meaningful scenes inspired by travel. His journey as an artist began in the 1990s, in a quiet moment after a late-night ICU shift. Seeking a way to decompress, Dr. Jaworski picked up a pencil and began sketching the shapes of his leather couch. That small moment ignited a creative spark.

“What started as a way to unwind evolved into something I find deeply stimulating,” he said. “Art engages a different part of the brain than medicine. It’s a right-brain experience—and a fulfilling one.”

Largely self-taught, Dr. Jaworski explored art through books, workshops and experimentation with various mediums, from pastels to oil paints. His paintings reflect scenes inspired by international travel with his wife, Cindy, capturing people, moments and traditions from around the world.

On display at Mon Medical Center:

• A depiction of the Naxi Orchestra from Yunnan Province, China — a tribute to aging musicians preserving ancient instruments and performance traditions.
• A portrait of an elderly woman selling flowers in a raincoat in a small Chinese village.
• A serene scene of a woman walking in San Juan, Puerto Rico, silhouetted against the glow of sunset.
• A vibrant violinist performing in a castle in Ireland.
• A group of young monks lighting candles along the Ganges River in Varanasi, India.

Each piece draws from photographs and memories collected during travels, then transformed on canvas with a mix of observation and artistic license.

“Traveling inspires me—the different cultures, customs and colors are fascinating,” he said. “I try to capture that essence and tell a story through each painting.”

Dr. Jaworski and his wife are preparing for their next adventure — a painting workshop in a small town in Greece led by a London-based artist. Though Cindy doesn’t usually paint, she plans to pick up the brush this time.

Mon Medical Center invites visitors and patients to view the collection and enjoy a visual journey through the lens of a physician-artist. For those who pass through the hospital’s doors, the exhibit offers more than beauty—it’s a reflection of the humanity behind the white coat, and a reminder of the healing power of art.

For more information about Mon Medical Center, visit MonHealth.com.