Growing up in New York City, music was always a big part of my life. Long before I became a radiologist and a CEO, I was a drummer—playing in bands during college and performing jazz concerts in high school and beyond. Those years behind the drum set taught me lessons that have stuck with me throughout my medical career, especially in leadership and communication.
When people think about medicine and music, they rarely see the connection. But for me, the two have been deeply intertwined. Jazz, in particular, is a powerful teacher about the art of listening, the importance of timing, and the value of collaboration. These are the same qualities that make for strong leadership and effective patient care.
In this blog, I want to share how my experience as a musician shaped how I listen and lead in the world of medicine, and why I believe every physician—especially those in radiology—can benefit from embracing the lessons of music.
The Power of Listening: More Than Just Hearing
Drumming in a jazz band is not about banging rhythms mindlessly. It’s about listening—really listening—to what the other musicians are playing. You have to tune in to the subtle cues, the dynamics, and the mood. You adjust your timing and intensity based on what others are doing. Sometimes you lead, sometimes you support. It’s a constant conversation without words.
This kind of listening is a skill I carry into my work every day. In radiology, we often read images silently, but true communication is more than just interpreting scans—it’s understanding the needs of patients, the questions of referring physicians, and the concerns of colleagues. Being an attentive listener helps me connect with my team and build trust.
Leadership requires this same deep listening. It means paying attention not only to what people say, but to what they don’t say—the doubts, the frustrations, the ideas waiting to be heard. When you create space for that kind of listening, you foster an environment where people feel valued and understood.
Timing Is Everything: Knowing When to Lead and When to Follow
Jazz drumming is also a lesson in timing. You learn when to push the beat forward and when to hold back, creating space for others to shine. There’s a rhythm to leadership, too, and knowing when to step up or step back is critical.
Early in my career, I thought leadership meant always having the answers and being the loudest voice in the room. Over time, I realized that sometimes the best leaders are the ones who know when to listen quietly and let others take the lead. It’s about timing your input so it has maximum impact.
In a radiology practice, this means recognizing when a colleague has a brilliant idea or when a team member needs support. It means balancing confidence with humility and understanding that leadership is often about serving the team, not dominating it.
Collaboration Over Solo Performance
Jazz is the ultimate team sport. Even though solo performances are celebrated, the magic happens when musicians connect, improvise together, and build something bigger than themselves. No one plays in isolation.
This mentality is essential in medicine. Too often, radiologists work in silos, reading scans alone and communicating via reports without real dialogue. But the best care comes from collaboration—between radiologists, clinicians, technologists, and patients.
I’ve worked hard to cultivate a culture in our practice that values teamwork and open communication. We encourage second opinions, peer discussions, and regular meetings where ideas flow freely. This collaborative spirit not only improves patient care but creates a more satisfying workplace.
Creativity and Adaptability: Embracing the Unexpected
Jazz is unpredictable by nature. Improvisation is key. You have to be ready to adapt in the moment, to innovate on the spot, and to turn unexpected notes into something beautiful. Medicine, especially radiology, requires the same creativity.
No two cases are exactly alike. New technologies emerge, protocols change, and patient needs evolve. Being adaptable and creative helps us navigate complexity and uncertainty.
My musical background trained me to stay flexible and open-minded. When a case is challenging or the healthcare environment shifts, I draw on that same improvisational spirit. I remind myself and my team that it’s okay not to have all the answers immediately—that innovation often comes from trying new approaches.
Patience and Practice: Mastering the Craft Over Time
One thing jazz taught me early on is that mastery doesn’t happen overnight. It takes patience, practice, and persistence. You don’t become a great musician—or a great radiologist—without putting in the hours, making mistakes, and learning from them.
In medical training, this is especially true. Residency and fellowship are intense learning periods, and the pressure to perform can be overwhelming. My musical experience reminded me to be patient with myself and others. Growth is a process, not a race.
Leadership also benefits from this mindset. Building a successful practice, developing a strong team, and creating a positive culture take time. You won’t see results instantly, but the steady work matters.
Why Every Physician Should Find Their Own Rhythm
Whether it’s music, sports, or another passion, I believe every physician benefits from finding an outlet that sharpens their ability to listen, lead, and collaborate. These skills are just as important as clinical knowledge.
For me, jazz was that outlet. It taught me how to be present, how to engage with others meaningfully, and how to embrace both structure and spontaneity. Those lessons have made me a better radiologist, a better CEO, and hopefully, a better mentor.
Medicine is a human endeavor at its core. By learning to listen like a musician, lead with timing like a drummer, and collaborate like a jazz ensemble, we can create healthcare environments that are more innovative, supportive, and effective.
Looking back, I realize my musical journey was never just a hobby—it was a foundation for everything I do in medicine. If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to explore what passions outside of medicine can teach you. You might be surprised how much it can transform the way you listen and lead.