In a recent episode of “My Medical Mixtape,” a podcast hosted by Tyler Jorgenson, MD, assistant professor at The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Carolyn Phillips, PhD, MSN, RN, assistant professor at UT Austin School of Nursing and a touring musician, shared her unique perspective on integrating music with health care.
Known for her innovative research and compassionate approach to patient care, Phillips shared how music and songwriting can be transformative tools in both health care and personal healing.
During the conversation, Phillips explored the therapeutic power of songwriting as a way to process emotions and experiences. She highlighted her research, which connects songwriters, who are also music therapists, with bereaved parents. This initiative provides a creative and emotional outlet for parents to share their child’s story through song, offering them a space to honor their child’s memory and work through grief in a meaningful way.
Phillips emphasized that blending music and health care creates a more holistic approach to patient care, particularly in emotionally charged settings, like pediatrics, palliative care and bereavement support. She discussed how music can bridge the gap between clinical treatment and emotional healing, providing comfort and connection during some of life’s most difficult moments.
In addition to her work with bereaved parents, Phillips offers valuable advice to nursing students. She encourages them to find healthy ways to process the intense emotions and experiences they will encounter in their careers. Songwriting and creative expression, she suggests, can be powerful tools for reflection and emotional well-being.
To learn more about Dr. Phillips' research, read the article Music Can Heal Wounds Medicine Cannot Touch: Research on Music for Patients and Caregivers.