The University of Utah’s Medical Orchestra (UMO) was founded as a community ensemble made up of medical students, healthcare professionals, and scientists with ties to medicine. It’s inaugural concert in 2021 set the stage for showcasing music that blends medicine and healing harmonies.
UMO aims to promote interprofessional collaboration, foster connections within the healthcare community, and provide a creative outlet. It performs two public concerts annually and collaborates with the “Music in Medicine” initiative, which explores the intersection of music and healing Members also volunteer to perform at Primary Children’s Hospital to bring music to patients and their families. Weekly rehearsals at the University of Utah provide a transformative opportunity for medical and scientific professionals to engage in music-making, blending personal enthusiasm with professional growth. These gatherings foster a creative outlet to unwind from the demands of high-stress careers, offering a structured environment where participants can focus on the artistry and enjoyment of music. Beyond personal fulfillment, rehearsals nurture collaborations as participants practice synchrony, active listening, and teamwork—abilities essential in medicine and research. The communal aspect of rehearsals strengthens connections among peers, creating a supportive network spanning many disciplines.
Over the summer, smaller ensembles within UMO held a special concert focusing on mental health and classical-era composers. These ensembles included a flute choir, duets, trios, and a cello quartet. As a cellist since the age of three, BME faculty Holman eagerly participated in the cello quartet. She claims, “Music and hearing are not only personal to me; they are central to my professional focus. Conducting research in the field of auditory neuroscience represents the culmination of my twenty-four-year career aimed at understanding how we hear, as well as how to improve inner ear function.”
Prof. Holman further elaborates that current advance in auditory nerve function, glial cell signaling, and medical device design are at a critical juncture where interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to driving progress. Innovations in medical device design are transforming the field of auditory health at the University of Utah. Cochlear implants and neural prosthetics are evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technology and engineering shaping the future of auditory restoration. Faculty and students in the College of Engineering’s Biomedical Engineering Department, Blackrock Neurotech, College of Health’s Communication Sciences and Disorders Department, and surgeons in the School of Medicine’s Otolaryngology Department are collaborating on innovative device designs and surgical strategies to restore hearing and improve the quality of life for patients. These projects thrive on interdisciplinary teams that integrate expertise in biomechanics, electrical engineering, and auditory neuroscience, ultimately advancing the field of auditory restoration. One of the goals is to help individuals experience the benefits of music, particularly in settings like concerts and musical performances.