The Healing Power of Music:
A Surgeon’s StoryDr.
Julian Bailes is a renowned neurosurgeon who has performed thousands of surgeries throughout his career.
But what sets him apart is his unwavering belief in the therapeutic power of music.
From a young age, music played an integral role in Bailes’ life.
He studied piano and saxophone, and often sought solace in its melodies.
When he embarked on his medical journey, he realized that music could also serve as a powerful tool in the operating room.
“I noticed that when I was listening to music during surgery, I was calmer and more focused,” Bailes said.
“It helped me to concentrate on the task at hand and to make more precise movements.
“Over time, Bailes incorporated music into his surgical routine.
He created custom playlists for each patient, selecting music that he believed would resonate with their personality and medical condition.
He found that music could help to reduce anxiety levels, improve pain tolerance, and promote healing.
In one memorable case, Bailes performed a complex surgery on a young woman who had suffered a traumatic brain injury.
The patient was in a critical condition and her prognosis was uncertain.
Desperate to find a way to connect with her, Bailes played her favorite music during the surgery.
To his astonishment, the patient’s vital signs began to improve.
Her breathing became more regular, and her blood pressure stabilized.
Bailes later learned that the patient had regained consciousness during the surgery and could hear the music playing.
“It was an incredibly moving experience,” Bailes said.
“It showed me that music has the power to reach into the depths of our being, even when we are most vulnerable.
“Bailes’ research has supported his observations.
Studies have demonstrated that music can reduce postoperative pain, improve mood, and accelerate recovery time.
It has also been shown to enhance cognitive function and reduce the risk of depression in hospitalized patients.
The therapeutic effects of music are believed to stem from its ability to activate brain regions involved in emotion, memory, and physical responses.
By stimulating these areas, music can trigger the release of endorphins, which have pain-relieving and mood-boosting effects.
Inspired by his experiences, Bailes founded the Music for Surgery Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides music therapy programs in hospitals around the world.
The foundation’s mission is to harness the power of music to improve the surgical experience and promote healing.
“Music is a gift,” Bailes said.
“It can uplift us, inspire us, and heal us.
As surgeons, we have the privilege of using this gift to make a difference in the lives of our patients.

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