My Background

Wilma Bulkin Siegel, M.D. is a woman of many talents, and her life's work has been nothing short of remarkable. Born in 1936, during a time of great social and cultural change, she graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1958 and went on to pursue a career in medicine at the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania, earning her medical degree in 1962.

Dr. Siegel's work as an oncologist in New York City was nothing short of legendary. Her groundbreaking work in the field of hospice care set a new standard for patient-centered care, as she was one of the first to establish a hospice in the state of New York and to accept patients with AIDS. Her compassion and dedication to the care of these patients were unparalleled, and she quickly became a leading expert on the subject.

In recognition of her exceptional work, Dr. Siegel was invited to give her expertise on AIDS to the Presidential Commission in Washington, a great honor that spoke to her unparalleled expertise in the field.

Following her retirement, Dr. Siegel turned her attention to her other childhood dream: painting. Combining her passion for medicine with her love of the arts, she created a series of breathtaking paintings of people living with AIDS. Her work quickly gained recognition, and she was awarded the highest honor for her contributions to the field of arts in healthcare, the Janice Palmer Award of the Society of Arts in Healthcare, in April 2009.

Dr. Siegel's life is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and creativity. Her contributions to the fields of medicine and art, undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations for years to come.

 Wilma Bulkin Siegel has always been a creative soul, ever since she was a young girl. Her love for art is evident in the numerous awards she received throughout her career. Her artwork is a reflection of her passion, creativity, and talent.

 "As a physician and artist, I am driven by a singular purpose: to heal people. Through my medical education and my art, I strive to explore different avenues of healing and to encourage people to consider their place in the world. In my work as both a retired doctor and a portrait artist, I am focused on capturing the essence of the individual and addressing pertinent social issues through a form of social realism."

Dr. Wilma Bulkin Siegel has been at the forefront of integrating art into medicine, using her knowledge and experience to enhance medical care. Her innovative approach has led her to explore different projects and ideas, drawing inspiration from the work of others in the field.

In addition, art is more than just a form of expression; it is a way to connect with the world around her. She finds inspiration in the beauty of nature, the colors of the seasons, and the personalities of the animals she depicts in her paintings.

Recognitions

• Honorable Mention, Plantation Art Guild, Fort Lauderdale, FL 1992
• Honorable Mention, Coral Springs Art Guild, Fort Lauderdale, FL 1993-1994
• Dick Blick Award, Gold Coast Watercolor Society, Fort Lauderdale, FL 1994
• Moore Greenblatt Memorial Award of National Association of Women Artists, New York, 1995
• Honorable Mention, Georgia Watercolor Society, Duluth, Georgia, 1996
• American Physicians’ Art Assoc. Art Exhibit, Charlotte, NC, 1997 – First Prize
• Rhode Island Watercolor Society, 4th Annual Watermedia Competition, Pawtucket, RI - Honorable Mention
• Women on Women, Art Serve, Fort Lauderdale, FL, First Prize – 1998
• American Physicians ‘Art Assoc. Art Exhibit, New Orleans, LA 1998 – First Prize
• National Association of Women Artists Medal of Honor and Elizabeth Stanton Blake Memorial Award; New World Art Center, SOHO, New York City – First Prize-1999
• National Association of Women Artists-Cecil Schapiro Memorial Award – 2000 Annual NAWA exhibition, Atelier 14 Gallery, Chelsea, New York City, 2000
• Recipient of an Extraordinary Voices Award by the South Florida Chapter of Mothers’ Voices, a national organization that mobilizes mothers as educators and advocates to their children about sexual health and HIV/AIDS prevention
• American Physicians’ Art Assoc. Art Exhibit, Orlando, FL – 2000 – First Prize, “Looking Back”
• Florida Artists Group Annual Show Tallahassee, Fl. May-Aug 2001
• From the Heart of the Artists, NAWA Sarasota Art Center Sarasota, Fl. Nov 2001
• NAWA Merit Award for Photography 2001 Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, West Palm Beach, Fl.
• American Physician’s Art Assoc. Art Exhibit, Washington D.C. 2002 First Award
• NAWA Florida Chapter Annual Show “Speaking of Art” Northwood University, West Palm Beach, Fl. March 2003 Best in Show
• 2006 May “Doctor of Humane Letters” and Commencement Speaker “Art in Medicine “School of Public health and School of Nursing Drexel University. Pa
• 2007 Feb Third Place Annual National Association of women Artists-Florida Chapter Northwood University, West Palm Beach
• American Physicians Art Association Annual Show New Orleans, La. Nov, 2007 Honorable Mention Masters division
• Medal of Honor NAWA 120th Annual Show, Salmagundi, N.Y. and Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation Award 2009
• Janice Palmer Award for contribution to field of Arts in Healthcare April 2009 by Society of Arts in Healthcare
• NAWA Fl Third Place Northwood University Annual Show Dec 2009
• NAWA, FL Honorable Mention, Northern Trust Bank, North Palm Beach, Fl. 2010
• NAWA, Fl First Prize Northwood University Annual 2012
• NAWA, CCM Visual Arts Gallery, NJ - 2015

I find inspiration in humanity. I have a passion for painting people, as the human being is a marvel of nature and I am captivated by the human experience.

The human body, mind, and soul are truly amazing and have produced incredible advancements in our world, from the miracle of life to the modern technology that allows us to explore and communicate. 

With our hands, hearts, and brilliant minds, we are capable of creating beauty in all forms of art. 

However, we must also acknowledge our capacity for destruction, as we navigate the perpetual struggle between life and death.

Despite the inevitability of death, it has been my choice to devote my life to healing others as a physician. 

This same dedication to healing is also present in my art. I believe that the ability to create and appreciate beauty is a fundamental part of the human experience, and I am constantly in awe of our potential for both good and evil.