2024 Music in Health Care Symposium

Houston Methodist Hospital proudly announces the successful conclusion of its first-ever Music in Healthcare Symposium, held in February 2024. The symposium served as a groundbreaking forum for healthcare professionals, musicians, and advocates to explore the profound impact of music on patient care and well-being.

The event, hosted at the Houston Methodist Research Institute, brought together a diverse array of experts and stakeholders from across the healthcare and music industries. Participants engaged in dynamic discussions, interactive workshops, and live performances, showcasing the therapeutic potential of music in healing and recovery.

Keynote speakers, including leading researchers and practitioners in the field of music therapy, shared insights into the latest evidence-based practices and innovative approaches to integrating music into clinical care. Topics explored ranged from the use of music for pain management and stress reduction to its role in enhancing emotional well-being and fostering connections between patients and caregivers.

The symposium also highlighted Houston Methodist’s ongoing commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in healthcare delivery. By bridging the gap between healthcare and the arts, the event demonstrated the potential for music to complement traditional medical interventions and enhance the holistic care experience.

Houston Methodist extends its appreciation to all participants, sponsors, and supporters who contributed to the success of the Music in Healthcare Symposium. Plans are underway for future initiatives and partnerships aimed at further integrating music into patient care and promoting well-being.

Susie and Tommy Smith Endowed Chair for Music and Creative Arts Therapies

Houston Methodist is proud to announce the establishment of the Susie and Tommy Smith Music and Creative Arts Therapies Endowment, a generous gift that will significantly enhance patient care and research initiatives at the Center for Performing Arts Medicine.

This transformative endowment, generously provided by Susie and Tommy Smith, includes funding for an endowed chair position for music and creative arts therapies, as well as $1 million designated for research in music and creative arts therapies. The endowed position and funding will empower Houston Methodist to further its mission of providing holistic, patient-centered care by integrating music and creative arts therapies into clinical practice and advancing research in this field.

Jennifer Townsend, the recipient of the endowed chair position, expresses profound gratitude for the honor and outlines the impact of the Susie and Tommy Smith Music and Creative Arts Therapies Endowment will be far-reaching:

 

  1. Igniting Research Initiatives: The endowed funding will fuel comprehensive research endeavors to uncover the intricate mechanisms behind creative arts therapies’ impact on healing and holistic well-being.
  2. Pioneering Education Initiatives: Educational programs will equip therapists with tools to integrate creativity, spirituality, and researched protocols into their practices, ensuring a sustainable legacy of compassionate care.
  3. Amplifying Collaborative Endeavors: Dynamic collaborations with the Spiritual Care and Values Integration department will craft a cohesive approach that resonates deeply with patients’ core values and beliefs.
  4. Creating Innovations in Clinical Application: Townsend and team will facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic interventions that enrich patients’ journey to wellness.
  5. Fostering a Culture of Excellence: Through the endowed position, Townsend will inspire a culture of excellence throughout Houston Methodist, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to patient-centered, holistic care.

 

The Susie and Tommy Smith Music and Creative Arts Therapies Endowment represents a significant milestone in Houston Methodist’s journey toward advancing patient care through the transformative power of music and creative arts therapies.

Critical Care Symposium Award 2022

Houston Methodist Creative Arts Therapists Honored for Innovative Work in Critical Care Medicine

Members of the Creative Arts Therapies team at Houston Methodist’s Center for Performing Arts Medicine, John Head, Virginia Gray, and Jennifer Townsend, have been honored with an award for their groundbreaking design of positive stimulation for medically sedated patients. The award was presented at the 4th Annual International Symposium on Advances in Critical Care Medicine (ISAC), recognizing their innovative contributions to enhancing patient care in critical care settings.

John Head, Music Therapist; Virginia Gray, Art Therapist; and Jennifer Townsend, collaborated on pioneering work aimed at exploring the therapeutic benefits of creative arts interventions for medically sedated patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Their protocol focused on utilizing familiar salient music and positive sensory stories to provide positive stimulation and sensory experiences for patients undergoing sedation, with the goal of improving outcomes and reducing anxiety and delirium.

“We are thrilled to receive this award in recognition of our work on positive stimulation for medically sedated patients,” said Townsend. “Creative arts therapies offer a unique and effective approach to enhancing the patient experience in critical care settings, and we are honored to be at the forefront of this innovative programing.”

 

The recognition received at the ISAC symposium highlights Houston Methodist’s leadership in critical care medicine and its commitment to exploring innovative approaches to patient care. The Creative Arts Therapies team’s work underscores the importance of holistic and patient-centered care in improving outcomes for critically ill patients.

Medal of the Arts Award

Houston Methodist’s Center for Performing Arts Medicine Honored with Texas Medal of the Arts Award

The Center for Performing Arts Medicine (CPAM) at Houston Methodist has been awarded the prestigious Texas Medal of the Arts Award in recognition of its outstanding contributions to the intersection of healthcare and the arts. This esteemed honor celebrates CPAM’s dedication to advancing the healing arts and promoting wellness through innovative programs and initiatives.

Established in 1996, CPAM has emerged as a pioneering force in integrating the arts into healthcare delivery. Through collaborative partnerships with renowned arts organizations and leading healthcare professionals, CPAM has pioneered groundbreaking initiatives that harness the transformative power of the arts to improve patient outcomes and enhance quality of life.

The Texas Medal of the Arts Award acknowledges CPAM’s exemplary commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, supporting research in arts-based interventions, and promoting the well-being of patients, caregivers, and communities. CPAM’s innovative programs, such as specialized healthcare for artists, arts integration, creative arts therapies, and community outreach have had a profound impact on individuals across the lifespan, from pediatric patients to older adults.

“We are deeply honored to receive the Texas Medal of the Arts Award,” said Todd Frazier, Director of the Center for Performing Arts Medicine. “This recognition reflects the dedication and passion of our team, as well as the transformative impact of the arts on healing and wellness. We are committed to continuing our mission of integrating the arts into healthcare and improving the lives of those we serve.”

CPAM’s innovative approach to healthcare has garnered national acclaim and serves as a model for institutions across the country seeking to incorporate the arts into patient care. The Texas Medal of the Arts Award further validates CPAM’s leadership in this field and underscores the importance of arts-based interventions in promoting holistic well-being.

Houston Methodist extends its gratitude to the Texas Cultural Trust for bestowing this prestigious honor upon the Center for Performing Arts Medicine. This recognition serves as a testament to CPAM’s ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in healthcare. This latest award is a wonderful compliment to previous awards including the 2019 International Hamilton Award from the National Organization for Arts in Health, “celebrating the best use of the arts in employee engagement”, and the 2017 Business Council for the Arts Award from Americans for the Arts, “recognizing the best businesses partnering with the arts in America”.

For more information about the Center for Performing Arts Medicine at Houston Methodist, visit www.houstonmethodist.org/CPAM.