Boosting Memory and Reducing Stress: How Physicians Are Using Music to Enhance Learning and Practice
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Many physicians have found that music can significantly enhance focus, memory, and well-being, both during their medical training and in practice. Dr. J.C. Sue, a family medicine physician, discovered early in med school that refashioning popular songs into study tools helped him retain complex information more easily. His version of Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass” became “All About That Base,” transforming study sessions into memorable and engaging experiences. Science supports this approach—music has been shown to stimulate memory retention and enhance cognitive function.
Physicians like Dr. Sue are not alone in their musical strategies. Whether writing their own songs, listening to favorite tunes, or playing instruments, many doctors report improvements in work performance, confidence, and stress management. Music not only helps recall important medical information but also fosters teamwork, especially in environments like the operating room, where playlists are common.
Studies reveal that music helps stimulate both sides of the brain, increasing focus and motivation. By creating a “study soundtrack” or choosing motivating songs, doctors can use music to alleviate stress and stay sharp, both in and out of the clinical setting.
Dr. Sue has even gone a step further by creating Tune Rx – a website to help people learn medicine through music, proving that music can be a valuable resource for physicians seeking creative ways to enhance their learning and practice.
How Doctors Use Music to Learn Faster and Perform Better (Cheney, Medscape, 10/17).
