Harmonica-Playing Surgeon Nationally Recognized for Advocating Music Therapy

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 25, 2014)  — When presented with a national award for his contributions to music therapy, Dr. Jay Zwischenberger showed his appreciation with a felicitous expression of music. He concluded a short acceptance speech at the American Music Therapy Association's (AMTA) annual conference with an impromptu performance of Old Joe Clark on his harmonica.

"I'm going to express my gratitude in the only way I know how to connect with these people," he said, dedicating the tune to the members of UK HealthCare music therapy program.

Zwischenberger, chair of the Department of Surgery for UK HealthCare, accepted the AMTA's Music Therapy Advocate Award at the association's annual conference in early November. The physician advocate for music therapy was nominated by the staff of the UK HealthCare music therapy program, which is an arm of the UK Arts in HealthCare program. Known for his enthusiasm for music and always-handy harmonica, Zwischenberger performs alongside musicians during therapy sessions at the UK Chandler Hospital.

In 2010, Zwischenberger served on the search committee for the first director of the UK HealthCare music therapy program. He was instrumental in the appointment of Lori Gooding, Ph.D, a board-certified music therapist who sought to develop a program that emphasized evidence-based musical interventions for the clinical setting. Since its formation, the music therapy program has acquired grants for research and published several peer-reviewed research papers as well as a book about medical music therapy.

“We have worked with Dr. Zwischenberger to increase clinical offerings, conduct research and seek grant funding," Gooding said. "It has been a pleasure to work with him because he truly values the contributions music therapy can make for patients, family and staff at UK.”

Today, the music therapy program comprises four full-time staff members and involves 26 graduate students. Music therapy sessions are offered for patients at Kentucky Children's Hospital, the Markey Cancer Center, Eastern State Hospital and other sectors of UK HealthCare. The program is the first and only music therapy graduate training available in Kentucky.

"The story is about the success of the music therapy group," Zwischenberger said. "With proper focus and orientation, and respect for what they do, they have become an adjunctive therapy at this hospital." 

An amateur musician, Zwischenberger played guitar in rock bands during the 1960s and learned to play the banjo in the 1990s. After injuring his thumb, he picked up the harmonica, teaching himself to play by ear 12 years ago. Zwischenberger said music therapy diverts patients' attention away from pain and connects with patients across cultures. He has watched those who are young, elderly or in a health crisis benefit from these types of therapies. 

The AMTA is committed to the advancement of education, training, research and standards in the music therapy profession. The association's annual conference, titled "Pursue Your Passion for Music Therapy," was held Nov. 6-9 in Louisville.

"It's a profound honor," Zwischenberger said. "It was given to me, but I congratulate our team at UK. I take a lot of pride and pleasure in the fact that they're here."

MEDIA CONTACT: Elizabeth Adams, elizabethadams@uky.edu