Music’s Role in Medicine

Greeting Stewards!

We’re reaching out today to talk once again about narrative and storytelling. We know that increasingly, storytelling and narrative are woven into medical education as important aspects of arts and humanities for future physicians. However, medical arts and humanities is so much more than just narrative and storytelling—music is a potent tool, as well.

This article from MedPageToday tells us about the role of music in medicine, noting not only how music therapy can benefit patients, but also how music can help future physicians develop active listening skills. Active listening skills developed through listening to music can then also be used when “paying attention to what is being said and how it is said, the tone of voice, the rate of speech, and even the moments of silence.” We love thinking about this in light of the powerful role of close attention in medicine, both for proper diagnosis and compassionate care. You can read more about current research initiatives related to music and medicine in the article.

Finally, as we mentioned in our last blog post, PAHS will be hosting our second annual symposium on January 21, 2023. Our symposium is the accumulation and continuation of our work from the forums. It will take place online again this year via Zoom with Clarence Jones of HUE-Man as the keynote speaker.

Warmly,

Asheanna