A dying patient’s last wish to hear live classical music was realised on Monday by Mackay Base Hospital medical registrar Dr Michael Lam.
Dr Lam, a gifted cellist, performed a range of soothing pieces including Bach's first and third cello suites, Saint-Saens' The Swan and Schubert's Ave Maria for the patient.
The patient had decided to end her treatment for a long-term chronic condition and when she was admitted to hospital with an acute illness, decided she wanted to pass in a dignified and peaceful way.
As part of supporting her through her end-of-life planning, she expressed a desire to hear live music one more time.
Dr Lam, who works in internal medicine and plans to specialise in palliative care, said music and medicine often go hand in hand.
“I've done this many times before and I know that a lot of patients are helped when we do non-medical things to look after them holistically,” he said.
“It's been clear to me for a long time that music has a therapeutic benefit for both patients and staff.”
He said the patient was so appreciative she asked him to play for her again later that day.
“She was really pleased and shared with me her love of classical music. She told me it reminded her of her childhood,” he said.
Prior to training as a physician Dr Lam studied music at the University of Toronto and the Shanghai Conservatory and has toured the world playing cello, piano and flute. He is also a gifted singer and choral conductor.
He believes in using music for reconciliation, as well as in medical contexts – something he has participated in as part of music outreach with the Australian Doctors Orchestra to nursing homes and geriatric / palliative care services
Clinical Director of Medicine Senior Staff Specialist Dr Manjit Pawar was among the staff outside the patient’s room in F2 ward to listen to the music.
“It was spine tingling to hear the beautiful music of Bach with staff and patients stopping to listen as they passed by.
“We could see how at peace the patient was, content and so happy with Michael playing.
“Medicine is not just about using medications and operations to ‘fix’ things, something I think we forget sometimes. Reaching out to our patients as another human is just as important, I will never forget this moment.”
Sometimes, music is the best medicine.
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