Music

Robert McLafferty, M.D.

Rediscovering Passions: A Surgeon’s Musical Journey

Medical Alumni, Music

Robert B. McLafferty, M.D.’90, M.B.A., is a Larner alumnus, Professor of Surgery at Oregon Health & Science University, School of Medicine in the Division of Vascular Surgery in Portland, Oregon. He is also the Medical Director of the Wound and Hyperbaric Center.  

In the following blog post, he highlights his journey from being a vascular surgeon and academic leader to rediscovering his passion for music and songwriting later in life, encouraging everyone to pursue passions beyond their career.

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Cassidy Cottle

The Healing Power of Music in Hospice Care

Community, Fourth-Year, Music, Volunteerism

Cassidy Cottle is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine.

In the following blog post, she reflects on how her musical journey evolved from traditional performances to deeply personal connections through singing for individuals with dementia and terminal illness, discovering the profound emotional and healing power of music in these intimate settings.

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Group of singers in a room

Music as Medicine: Health Care Students Lead Musical Brain Initiative (Video)

Community, Music, Volunteerism

UVM Larner College of Medicine medical students and colleagues regularly visit the memory care unit at UVM Medical Center to play music and sing songs with patients. Launched as a personal project by Jonathan Palmer ’27 through the Larner College of Medicine Center on Aging, this “Musical Brain Initiative” is led by medical students as way to help patients with cognitive decline feel less lonely and more connected to a community. For students in health care professions, it’s a great way to bond with each other and with patients, boost everyone’s mental wellbeing, and practice valuable skills for caring for people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

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