Father-Daughter Duo Helping Heal Body and Mind
For years Dekran Merjanian has generously donated an original work of art to Robert Wood Johnson Medical School’s Scholarship Gala and its silent auction. His paintings caught the eye of Mark V. Sauer, MD, MS, professor and chair, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and senior associate dean for women’s health, who purchased several of the artist’s pieces for the department’s conference rooms. “I asked that he provide our department several more paintings that might illustrate women throughout the life course, and particularly focus on maternity. He obliged, and his artwork now decorates our OB/GYN office in Monroe,” says Dr. Sauer.
What makes this union even more special is that Dekran is the father of Lena Merjanian, MD, assistant professor, medical school alumna, and full-time faculty member in the department. “When patients see the last name, they think that I am the artist and when I share that it’s my father, they just love that,” Dr. Merjanian says. “I am just so proud to see his work. It puts a smile on my face, as well as theirs! I affectionately call it the Museum of Monroe.”
“Artwork, statues, music—it’s all so therapeutic,” stresses Dekran. “I am so pleased that Rutgers is working to warm up their offices with pieces that are personal and relatable to the spaces they are in. The art can also act as a distraction, helping patients to focus on something other than the reason for their visit.”
An Armenian raised in Aleppo, Syria, Dekran had a variety of interests and always enjoyed working with his hands. He grew up playing soccer and later crafted a career as a highly skilled machinist, in addition to attending art school in his spare time. Today, he is dedicated to following his favorite Premiere League team, Manchester United, but painting is his No. 1 pastime.
The acrylic and watercolor designs that line the halls and exam rooms of the Monroe OB/GYN offices include a mother and newborn in the waiting room, a depiction of the Monroe office building, and surgeons in the operating room.
“Dekran paints with vibrancy and color. His paintings exhibit a dynamic style that brings landscapes to life and personality to his subjects,” says Dr. Sauer.
“The generational portrait that features a woman in different stages of life attracts the most attention, and they all include shades of pink, yellow and blue to match the furniture—and I add all of the glitter to his paintings,” Dr. Merjanian says with a smile.
While Dr. Merjanian is a committed physician and educator specializing in pediatric and adolescent gynecology, don’t be fooled; her artistic talents and influence extend beyond adding glitter. When not practicing medicine, she leisurely creates her own portraits. Her creative and sparkling style is also apparent in the department, from her personally bedazzled name tag and Crocs to her colorful office décor reflecting her vibrant personality. According to her father, Dr. Merjanian also is the inspiration behind several of his pieces, including one of a hospital billboard, which features her likeness.
“Lena is so talented and so are my sons. Art is in our veins,” Dekran boasts. Faculty and staff enjoy the paintings and say that patients have been particularly appreciative, often commenting on how much they admire them while in the waiting area and exam rooms.
“I’m very proud that they chose me to make this impactful contribution. The fact that it is in my daughter’s department makes it even more special,” Dekran says.