Dr. Sarah Rowan is an Infectious Disease Specialist in Denver who recently created Women of Color on the Frontlines, a visual depiction of physicians who have been front and center of the COVID epidemic. What started out as a simple plea in a Facebook group has exploded into a movement that has generated so much interest they now have a website, Facebook page, and Instagram account, and her inspirations will soon be featured in a virtual exhibit in Denver.

Describing the events that led to her idea, Rowan states, “When I saw the New Yorker cover with the female physician in full PPE video chatting with her family from work as her husband put their kids to bed, I was so touched. I felt like my role as a physician mother was validated and honored”. But as a female physician, Rowan believed that art, media, and news outlets were not honoring or recognizing women of color in medicine.

This project started as a simple request to a physician moms’ Facebook group for photos of women of color that could be used for portraits. The response was more than she had hoped for. More than 150 women shared photos of themselves on the frontlines, most wearing the personal protective equipment they wear every day to protect themselves and others. “I put out a call out to my artist friends to see if anyone else wanted to do some portraits. Several signed up right away, and many recruited their artist friends, who recruited their friends, and so on.” The artwork displayed on their website has been created by fellow doctors, a CPA, a librarian, and even professional artists! “These creative souls are using their talents to recognize the amazing service these doctors provide.”

When asked where she thinks this crusade will take Women of Color on the Frontlines, Rowan hopes they will inspire donations to non-profit organizations working in this area, specifically those linked to supporting healthcare workers and encouraging people of color to go into medicine. As a physician who is also an artist, Rowan hopes to continue capturing the unsung heroes that continue to give of themselves tirelessly everyday to fight the spread of COVID-19.

You can find more information on Women of Color on The Frontlines on their Facebook page or check out their website.