“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.”
– Billy Joel
As a physician, I often find myself in awe of how much we have discovered about the human mind and body — and how many mysteries there are yet to solve. One of the mysteries I find truly fascinating is the deep, universal connection we all have to music.
My husband, Dave, and I met when we were in college, and we had our first date at a Billy Joel concert. It was such a fun, memorable night, not just because of the music, but because of how it brought us together. Even now, every time I hear “Piano Man,” it is like no time has passed. I can still remember clearly how it felt to sing and dance with Dave and all the other fans who were there to enjoy the songs we loved so much.
Music has the incredible power to unite people, stir emotions and create memories that last a lifetime. Think about your own favorite songs. Do they remind you of moments from your past? How do you feel when you listen to them?
Depending on the tune, you have likely experienced everything from joy and excitement to nostalgia and sadness. Perhaps you even found comfort in hearing certain tracks during times of sorrow or stress. Research has shown that listening to music engages multiple areas of the human brain, including those associated with memory, emotion and reward — which can release dopamine, the feel-good hormone, and lift our moods.
Studies have also shown that music therapy is a powerful tool for improving patient outcomes. It can reduce pain, ease muscle tension and aid recovery. At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and the OSUCCC – James Cancer Hospital, we offer music therapy programs to support and promote the well-being of our patients and caregivers.
Music is widely regarded as an excellent way to enhance treatment for depression and anxiety, too. And research is being done in The Ohio State University College of Medicine to evaluate whether listening to music, when paired with cognitive processing therapy, can help reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Music can inspire us, connect us, and much like medicine, it can even heal us. It enriches our lives in so many ways, transcends barriers and serves as a universal language we can all understand through rhythm and our feelings. I cannot imagine a world without it!
How has music impacted your life? I would love to hear your stories.
I also encourage you to check out the 2025 Health Sciences Art Show the week of March 3. Stop by the Jeri B. Block and Robert H. Schottenstein Forum on the first floor of Hamilton Hall between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to view artwork created by faculty, staff and learners from across the Wexner Medical Center and all seven of Ohio State’s health sciences colleges. The show is hosted by the Medicine & the Arts Board and the Humanism & the Arts in Medicine Program at the College of Medicine.
Dean, College of Medicine
Leslie H. and Abigail S. Wexner Dean’s Chair in Medicine
Vice President for Health Sciences, Wexner Medical Center