On Dec. 5, OUWB students spread some holiday cheer in the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation unit (PM&R) at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak.
Part of the student interest group known as “DocApella and Spinal Chords,” members performed Christmas caroles — hoping to brighten the spirits of patients.
Since the mid-2010s, the club’s mission has been to connect with the communities around them, sharing the joy of music. They return annually to the same spot to ring in the holidays.
Many of those involved have a background in music that they keep up with whenever time allows. The pianist and secretary of DocApella, Drew Lewis, M2, is someone who fits that description.
“Music has been a constant throughout my life...I play clarinet, bass clarinet, trumpet, and piano,” said Lewis. “During medical school, I’ve been able to stay connected to music through DocApella; I genuinely cannot imagine my life without music.”
Lewis and fellow members played a plethora of holiday favorites on the PM&R floor, including “Last Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Silent Night,” “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” “Jingle Bells,” “Feliz Navidad,” and “Let It Snow.”
Aishwarya Ramawami, M2, vice president, DocApella, could be seen hand drumming, setting a steady yet elaborate groove for the rest of the group to build upon. Also possessing a musical background, she expressed deep fulfillment for performing.
“I joined [DocApella] the first week of medical school, and I've been part of almost every concert since then. It's been one of the best parts of medical school,” said Ramaswami. “All of us are training to become physicians and getting the opportunity to come see the patients that we hope to serve one day and bring some joy into their life … has definitely been one of the best parts.”
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| Lewis and fellow members played a plethora of holiday favorites on the PM&R floor |
Patients certainly seemed to enjoy the presence of future physicians giving back to the community. They sang along, made some requests, and expressed sincere gratitude.
“I loved the performance … it was wonderful. At first I thought that they were music students. The fact that these kids are studying that hard and taking the time to help us means so much,” said Carl Justice, Clarkston resident.
Loved ones of patients noticed the immediate impact it had on their family members.
“When I got here, saw what was going on and walked towards my mom, she was moving, she was smiling, and there was a level of care that exceeded expectations. It's super special when there are events like that, especially for patients. It keeps them working harder to go home,” said Barbara Oakley, Berkley resident.
President Krithika Sathiya, M2, mentioned that the group rehearses two to three times before a performance. All that is required to join the organization is a passion for music.
“It’s such a fun way to relieve stress and spend time with my classmates but also give back to the community because we’re spreading music therapy and wellness. It brings me so much joy to see a smile on the faces of the patients that we perform for,” said Sathiya.
Lauren Rutt, a recreational therapist on the PM&R floor, who has watched DocApella and Spinal Cords perform for many years, said these holiday performances are so meaningful for everyone.
“It means the world to both me and the rest of the staff as well as the patients to have them bring some cheer to us for the holidays…They tell me that it brings tears to their eyes. It reminds them of their family or their church, their community, and that's really what we're trying to do: bring the community to them and make sure that these patients feel loved throughout the season,” said Rutt.
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