Thomas Stackhouse, MD, FAAOS, ASSH, is not only an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and wrist injuries at Reconstructive Orthopedics in New Jersey, but he is also an American roots musician in a band named Ong's Hat Band. According to Dr. Stackhouse, in an article from Burlington County Times, music and medicine are not mutually exclusive.
"I find several similarities between music and medicine," Dr. Stackhouse told the Burlington County Times, "Creativity can be a big part of practicing medicine, especially in hand reconstruction."
According to the article, music has been a lifelong love for Dr. Stackhouse, performing in high school bands, and even on a teen talent search.
Interestingly, Dr. Stackhouse also points out the importance of staying in touch with his emotional, creative side in the midst of a career in medicine.
"Another important connection is that music helps nurture my humanity. It's very easy when practicing 21st century organized medicine to fall into a technical or entrepreneurial way of thinking, or lapse into a business model way of approaching practice. I think having an interest in music keeps me tuned into the need for humanity and the importance of emotional connections, relating to people on an individual level," said Dr. Stackhouse to the Burlington County Times.