Photo by Eben Kassaye on Unsplash
September is Women in Medicine Month! Medicine is more than science – it’s deeply human. Dr. Olapeju Simoyan discusses her brand new book, “Girls Become Doctors and Much More,” and shares how music, art, and the medical humanities enrich the human side of medicine. Discover how creativity not only strengthens patient care and outcomes but also helps physicians maintain balance and purpose in their own lives.
Guest
Dr. Olapeju Simoyan has degrees in dentistry, public health, and medicine. She is dually board certified in family medicine and addiction medicine and is ALSO a skilled musician, photographer, and writer. Her new book spotlights the vital contributions of contemporary women in medicine AND bridges the science and art of medicine by telling stories of how many of these women have integrated their arts interests and skills into their work.
Notes
We discuss:
- The artificial divide between the sciences and arts
- How the sciences and arts complement one another
- Medicine as an art as well as a science
- Why should music be integrated into medicine?
- How does being a musician (whether amateur or beyond) make one a better physician?
- Stories of contemporary female doctors who have integrated artistic endeavors into their work – and why.
- How professional identity is affected by significant interests outside of medicine.
- What are Medical Humanities?
- How may this conversation impact educators and parents?
- Favorite quotes of mine from the book:
- “It’s time to do away with the artificial dichotomy between the arts and sciences. To become better clinicians, we should all embrace a holistic approach to medical education and healthcare in general.” – Dr. Olapeju Simoyan
- “This collection reminds us that a career in medicine is not just about science, but about people, art, and evolution in the way we care for others.” – Kim Downey (in Forward), Founder, Stand Up (for) Doctors!
Connect/Other Resources
- Dr. Simoyan’s website
- Dr. Simoyan’s brand new book: Girls Become Doctors and Much More: Inspiring Stories of Women in Medicine
- More books by Dr. Simoyan
- The following organizations are mentioned:
- American Medical Women’s Association
- International Society for Arts and Medicine (ISfAM) was established in 2023 to serve as a forum for scientists, clinicians and artists interested in promoting health through the arts
- We mention the work of Danielle Ofri, MD, PhD, and Lisa Wong, MD (including her book, Scales to Scalpels)
- We mention Social Prescribing; learn more in the following episodes:
- Ep. 176: Prescribing Creativity – How Art Pharmacy’s innovation harnesses the power of art for better clinical outcome; with Chris Appleton
- Ep. 192: Beyond surviving to thriving with the essential elements of well-being; with Julia Hotz
- Ep. 172: Arts on Prescription: Thrive with the latest wellness toolkit and unveil a healthier path for you and your community; with Tasha Golden, PhD
Other episodes we mentioned or that you may enjoy:
- Ep. 167: Having Surgery? Use music to reduce anxiety and pain perception; with Alice Cash, PhD, LCSW
- Ep.39: Parkinson’s Disease Interventions with Music; “Music provides structure for movement.” Marion Haase, M.M.
- Ep. 96: Restoring function and quality of life for those with Multiple Sclerosis; with Betsy Hartman, MT-BC
- View all episodes related to Science & Health
In-Episode Promo
LIVING WELL WITH DR. MICHELLE: I’m always looking for the best ways to support holistic health and wellbeing, through music… and beyond. So when I learned about all-natural products created by a holistic, biologic dentist, I had to try them out! Did you know that chemicals in commercial mouthwash and toothpaste can be absorbed through your oral tissues even if you don’t swallow the product? One of my favorite Living Well with Dr. Michelle products is the Remineralizing Mouthwash. It’s alcohol-free, so it won’t dry out your mouth, and instead of harsh chemicals, it uses colloidal silver to help balance oral bacteria. It’s infused with peppermint oil to freshen your breath naturally, and it contains hydroxyapatite – the very mineral your enamel is made of – to support strong teeth and reduce sensitivity. I also love their Sensitive Remineralizing Tooth Powder, but I couldn’t resist trying their brand-new Toothpaste. It’s not officially labeled for sensitivity, but it’s made with micro-hydroxyapatite which many people, myself included, find reduces sensitivity. For natural, effective oral care products – and 10% off – go to livingwellwithdrmichelle.com and use Coupon Code: musicenhances10. (Link is in the show notes; or buy on Amazon.)
Coda
Dr. Simoyan shares a clip of herself singing “This Little Light of Mine,” incorporating her own words.
Closing Words
Thank you, Dr. Simoyan, for that reminder and inspiration; and also for this focus on Women in Medicine, and how the arts and sciences complement one another.
Just a reminder, at this back-to-school time of year, that you can view all episodes organized by category, one of which is Science & Health, but another is Education & Community, which I know is especially top of mind this time of year. So if you’re looking for education-related resources as you launch this new learning season, whether for yourself, your kiddos, or your classroom, click that link in the show notes or in the Archives tab of my website.
All Enhance Life with Music episodes are evergreen; so check out the back catalogue for more ways that music can make your life better.
Finally, I’m kicking off my own adventure with this new season – a brand-new email newsletter called Soundbites! Some of you have already signed up through my website (thank you!), and now I’m excited to bring it to life. Soundbites will be an occasional note from me – probably once a month – sharing free giveaways, inspiring quotes, behind-the-scenes photos, and simple hacks to transform everyday life with music. It’s a more personal way to stay connected beyond the podcast. To join, just click the link in the show notes or head to my website and choose Newsletter from the menu.
You can always connect with me on email (mindy@mpetersonmusic.com), Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn.
Thank you so much for joining me today. Until next time, may your life be enhanced with music.
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