Dr. Noah Gilson – Photographer & Physician

What came first – the photographer or the physician? In the case of neurologist Dr. Noah Gilson, it was photography. At the age of 14 he was given his first SLR camera with black and white film that he processed in the basement darkroom of his home. He won some local photo competitions and honed his skills in a high school photography course. He considered pursuing photography professionally but decided to become a doctor. When his darkroom was stolen out of his college apartment, he focused all attention on pre-med studies and photography was on indefinite hold. But after a 25 year hiatus during which he became a doctor, husband and father, photography returned to Dr. Gilson’s life. The darkroom was soon a thing of the past as he quickly became enchanted with the superiority of digital photography in every aspect of image production. Gradually he filled the walls of his home and office with photos. He uses his photos to calm patients nervous about being in a doctor’s office or in the hospital. His Healing Images are intended to teach people to slow down and take a break from their frantic lives. They invite us to examine at our surroundings and to marvel at the miracle of the mundane. The underlying theme in Dr. Gilson’s photos is the concept of mindfulness which encourages us to treasure every experience and all of its sensations. Many neurologic patients are very ill and the news Dr. Gilson gives families is sometimes grim. Calming pictures placed on the wall of the family consultation room provides him the courage and composure to say what needs to be said as sensitively as possible. Dr. Gilson’s photos are in local galleries and permanent displays at Monmouth Medical, Jersey Shore, and Riverview Medical Centers. After the interview, please check After Hours at Jersey Coastal Live for more info.