Rearranged: An Opera Singer’s Facial Cancer and Life Transposed

Kathleen Watt, osteosarcoma survivor, discusses her award-winning memoir REARRANGED: An Opera Singer’s Facial Cancer and Life Transposed with D. Gregory Farwell, MD, FACS, Gabriel Tucker Professor and Chair of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania.

With raw honesty and lyrical eloquence, Kathleen Watt tells the story of her journey from a successful operatic career through a catastrophic diagnosis of high-grade osteosarcoma in her maxillary sinus. In vivid storytelling, she illuminates the complexities of medical procedures, the psychological impact of protracted uncertainties, and ultimately the power of self-rediscovery, through trust, perseverance, and a healthy helping of humor. REARRANGED offers solace to readers navigating life-altering challenges of whatever sort—and a powerful perspective on the intersection of art, medicine, and the human spirit.

Join the Section on Medicine and the Arts for a conversation with author Kathleen Watt and Dr. D. Gregory Farwell from Penn Medicine ENT. 

This event is open to the public to attend and all are invited! Members of the Section on Medicine and the Arts, please sign in to receive free admission to this event. 

**Reserve a copy of Rearranged today! Be sure to check the reserve a book button at checkout to ensure a copy is available.

**Medical students and students in the health professions, please select the College Student ticket. 

Speakers:

Kathleen Watt sang principal roles with regional opera companies across the US, and in the Extra Chorus of New York’s Metropolitan Opera, before her singing career was ended by osteogenic sarcoma in her face. REARRANGED was published by Heliotrope Books in 2023 and is the winner of the 18th Annual National Indie Excellent Award Winner in the Category for Cancer, as well as the PenCraft Award for Literary Excellence. Watt is a frequent speaker at Head and Neck Cancer symposia and narrative medicine conferences. 

D. Gregory Farwell, MD FACS is the Gabriel Tucker Professor and Chair of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a leader in many national and international organizations and is widely acknowledged for his work in surgical education. Dr. Farwell has cared for many professional voice patients and has a passion for reconstructive surgery and rehabilitating his patients to their full potential. 

Please note:

• The Mütter Museum will not be open during this event.

Questions? Email events@collegeofphysicians.org