Volunteer donates photographs to pediatric clinic

Photography is just something Doug Dooley likes to do. Volunteering with Augusta University Health’s Healing Arts Ambassador Program is also something he likes to do.

Recently, Dooley combined those two hobbies when he donated two of his photographs as a permanent installation to hang in the pediatric hematology/oncology clinic waiting room.

“He really has a passion for helping. He’s really genuine,” said Volunteer Services Coordinator Brooke Rappaport.

The pictures are of a dog named Scooter, the singing farm dog, and Scooter with a friend, a horse named Peaches.

“Maybe the pictures will help take the minds of patients and families off the problems they’re experiencing, even if just for a few minutes,” Dooley said.

A primarily self-taught photographer, his work has won several photography awards on the local, state and national level. He prefers shooting nature, like horses, dogs and bees, and subjects in action.

Dooley’s photographs are on display in the Children’s Hospital of Georgia at least once a year as part of a rotating exhibit, the pictures of Scooter and Peaches will remain year round.

“His work always brings a smile. Parents can say, ‘Oh, look, what kind of horse is that? What is its name?’” Rappaport said. “Doug is always eager to go above and beyond.”

Dooley’s daughter has a disability, “so I feel, in particular, for the kids with a handicap or disability,” he said.

Augusta University Health’s Healing Arts Ambassador Program allows people to share their artistic talents with patients and families.