How a Medical Orchestra Cultivates Creativity, Joy, Empathy, and Connection

Abstract

Background: Inspired by research indicating that exposure to humanities correlates with reduced burnout, the Nebraska Medical Orchestra was founded in 2018 as a collaboration between the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the University of Nebraska at Omaha School of Music.Methods: Semistructured interviews about orchestra participants' experiences were conducted with 9 musicians and recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed using the constant comparative method.Results: The interviews suggested that participants are drawn to the orchestra to pursue a love of music, to be part of an ensemble, and to connect with others in an environment that provides a lighthearted, nonjudgmental, noncompetitive forum in which to create and enjoy music for its own sake.Conclusions: This study has implications for designing arts-based wellness activities for clinicians and scaling them nationwide.The American Medical Association designates this journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ available through the AMA Ed Hub TM . Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.Engaging Music Burnout, a common phenomenon among medical students and clinicians, is associated with depression, a decline in job performance and empathy, and elevated levels of salivary cortisol, a stress hormone. 1,2,3,4,5 Engaging in music and other creative activities can help manage symptoms of burnout by reducing levels of cortisol and fostering social bonding. 5,6,7,8 Inspired by research indicating that exposure to the humanities correlates with reduced burnout, 9 the Nebraska Medical Orchestra (NMO) was founded in 2018 with 55 members as a partnership between the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the