MUSIC IS THE BEST MEDICINE: GROSSMONT/SHARP HOSPITAL PHYSICIANS SAVORED “HAPPINESS COMMITTEE” MUSICAL EVENING
A review by Bill Pogue
October 27, 2009 (La Mesa)--Grossmont Hospital Chief of Staff Michael Musicant M.D. recognized that the pace and structure of the medical practice today is stressful and tends to isolation of practitioners, compared to 30 years ago. So he set up a "Happiness committee" dedicated to getting staff together around social projects. Six have been organized so far. One donated back packs to needy school kids. Another exhibited art created by thephysicians, attracting attendance by 170 doctors and their families.
On Tuesday, September 17, about 150 Doctors, staff, and family gathered on the lawn behind the mental rehab facility as the sun set, enjoying two hours of music of all sorts performed by Grossmont Hospital physicians.
Bina Adigopula, M.D. sang "I'll Always Love You", and "Orange Colored Sky" beautifully, Sherry Braheny, M.D. played a flute gavotte; Jenna Liu, M.D. a concert level violinist did the Meditation from 'Thais" by Jules Massenet enchantingly. Others who also performed wonderfully were Erwin Handley, M.D. vocals and guitar, Jeffrey Marxen, M.D. on baroque trumpet, and Michael Long, M.D. sang Nessan Dorma.
The fabulous finale featured the Soul Purpose Band, with Erwin Handley, M.D.on guitar, vocalist Joyce Lafitte, R.N., Ira Moscowitz, M.D. on drums, Lou Giordano, R.T. lead guitar, Jeff Marxen, M.D. trumpet, Brian Moore, M.D. on trombone, and Tom Kilcheski, M.D.on saxophone.
The event had outdoor tables, good appetizers, and a very appreciative audience. Happiness was widespread. Marc Kobernick, M.D. served as emcee and introductory words were given by the Grossmont/Sharp Hospital Administrator Michelle Tarbet.