In the sterile, high-stakes environment of a modern medical center, the sounds are typically predictable: the rhythmic beep of monitors, the hushed urgency of nursing stations, and the heavy roll of gurneys. But at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, a different sound has begun to drift through the hallways—the bright, acoustic ring of a guitar and the upbeat vocals of a psychiatrist.
Dr. Josh Norman, a psychiatrist at the medical center, is bridging the gap between clinical care and human connection through an initiative he calls “Music is Medicine.” Although Norman has been a musician for 17 years, he has spent the last few years repurposing his talent to transform the atmosphere of hospital rooms, moving from the clinic to the bedside to provide a sense of normalcy and joy for those in crisis.
The practice is more than a bedside hobby; it is a deliberate effort to humanize the healthcare experience. By integrating live music into the daily routine of various hospital units, Norman aims to alleviate the psychological weight of hospitalization for patients, their families, and the medical staff who support them.
“It’s been a ton of fun, and just really cool to see how much it changes the hospital environment,” Norman said. “I think it’s just so unique having a health care provider play, and it’s been really cool. It’s really been an honor.”
The Genesis of ‘Music is Medicine’
The initiative did not begin as a formal program, but as a response to a specific patient need. A few years ago, while working at the James Cancer Hospital, Norman learned of a patient whose father had a tradition of playing the guitar for her during her childhood. When a nurse, aware of Norman’s musical background, asked if he would be willing to recreate that experience for the patient, he agreed.
That single performance acted as a catalyst. What began as a gesture for one person evolved into a recurring mission. Norman began traveling between different units across the medical center’s various locations, carrying his guitar into spaces where music is rarely heard but often deeply needed.
The impact of this approach is felt most acutely in the high-stress environment of the ICU and oncology wards. Norman has recounted playing David Lee Murphy’s “Dust on the Bottle” for a woman in her final days of life and performing Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying” for a fellow physician undergoing treatment—moments where the clinical role of a doctor recedes, and the shared human experience of music takes over.
Clinical Observations and the Calming Effect
While Norman provides the music, the nursing staff provides the clinical observations of its efficacy. At the Ohio State East Hospital, registered nurse Jasmine Gordon has seen firsthand how live music can act as a non-pharmacological intervention for patients experiencing acute distress.
Gordon recalls a specific instance involving a female patient struggling with cognitive delays who had become loudly agitated. The shift in the patient’s demeanor was almost instantaneous upon Norman’s arrival. “As soon as he started stroking his guitar, she immediately quieted down,” Gordon reflected. “She became super calm and serene… it was so heartwrenching, because, just to see her be able to respond to the music truly fits that narrative that music is medicine.”
This observation aligns with a broader understanding of the healing properties of music, a subject of study for Gordon’s own son, who is pursuing degrees in both biomedical sciences and musical theater. For the staff, the music serves as a reminder of the necessity of human connection in the healing process. Gordon notes that the emotional authenticity Norman brings to his performances allows patients to connect with him on a level that transcends the traditional doctor-patient dynamic.
A Humanistic Approach to Modern Medicine
The goal of “Music is Medicine” extends beyond the immediate comfort of a single patient. Norman views the initiative as a call for a more humanistic approach to healthcare, encouraging other providers to integrate their own personal passions and creative outlets into their clinical practice.
The challenge of the hospital environment is often its rigidity and the sterility of its atmosphere. By introducing acoustic country songs and upbeat vocals, Norman is attempting to disrupt that sterility and replace it with a sense of hope, and connection. This is particularly vital for patients facing chronic illness or end-of-life care, where the psychological burden can be as taxing as the physical symptoms.
“As a physician, I know how hard the environment can be… and to bring joy, inspire hope and provide connection for people that are facing a lot of challenging times, I think that’s what really keeps me excited about it,” Norman said.
By leveraging his dual identity as a psychiatrist and a musician, Norman is demonstrating that the “medicine” of a hospital is not limited to prescriptions and procedures, but includes the emotional and spiritual support that helps a patient feel seen and heard as a person, not just a diagnosis.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Dr. Norman intends to continue expanding his reach within the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, with the long-term hope that the “Music is Medicine” philosophy will inspire other healthcare providers to adopt similar humanistic practices in hospitals nationwide.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on the role of the arts in healthcare in the comments below.
