Music Therapy A New Option for Healing and Comfort
In early 2008 the Cancer Institute introduced a new service to patients, families, providers, and other health care professionals at The University of Tennessee Medical Center. This emerging medical specialty was palliative care. Palliative care is provided at the time of diagnosis of a serious, chronic illness and is used concurrently with curative or life- prolonging treatment. In 1990 the World Health Organization recognized palliative care as a distinct specialty dedicated to relieving suffering and improving quality of life for patients with life- limiting illnesses. In 2006 palliative care became a board-certified subspecialty of medicine in the United States. As part of the patient’s care team, palliative care providers collaborate closely with other specialists to address symptoms and treatment side effects, as well as social, emotional, and spiritual concerns that arise during the patient’s illness. Most importantly, the goal of the team is to provide each patient with Palliative Care Supporting Patients and Families During Serious Illnesses
The program has also been engaged in the educational mission of the medical center, offering clinical rotations for medical students, residents, and nurse practitioner students. In 2022 the Department of Medicine in conjunction with UPC and UT Home and Hospice Care established a one-year ACGME-accredited fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine under the direction of Dr. Adam Tyson, Medical Director of UPC. The fellowship will foster the development of a diverse group
individualized care that focuses on quality of life and aligns with their values and wishes. University Palliative Care (UPC) was established at UTMC with two part-time physicians and one nurse practitioner. This small team led the development of the program with support from the medical center and Cancer Institute administration. Being a new and relatively unknown specialty, a great deal of effort was placed on educating providers, other health care professionals, and
music and various elements of music. Research has shown that music therapy can ease pain and discomfort, manage feelings of stress or anxiety, enhance creative expression, and promote positive coping strategies. To benefit from music therapy, no previous musical experience or talent is required. Music therapy sessions may include playing or learning to play an instrument, writing songs, singing, relaxation exercises or simply listening to live music. Music therapy is offered free of charge to cancer patients and families in both outpatient and inpatient care. Holly also works closely with the medical center’s palliative care team to identify and serve the needs of the patients under their care. As the benefits of music therapy are experienced and observed, interest in expanding the reaches of the program is being considered. Since joining the medical center, Holly has brought peace, comfort, healing, and joy to many patients and families as evidenced by the positive feedback and numerous notes of appreciation received. Members of the health care team also look forward to Holly’s visits and are uplifted by her smiling face and beautiful singing. As Dr. Adam Tyson, Medical Director of University Palliative Care, said, “Music therapy is a gift, but Holly Solis is a treasure.”
The University of Tennessee Medical Center Cancer Institute has been on the forefront of introducing and offering complementary and integrative services beginning with pet therapy in the early 1990s. The pet therapy program was initiated in conjunction with Human-Animal Bond in Tennessee (HABIT), a program supported by The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine along with community volunteers and private veterinarians in the region. In 2003 massage therapy was added to the services offered at the Cancer Institute. Since that time, the Integrative Health program has continued to expand to include services such as acupuncture, Reiki, yoga, and the most recent addition of music therapy. The Music Therapy program is led by Holly Solis, a board-certified music therapist. Holly grew up in a family saturated with musicians and was captivated by music at an early age. Her interest and talent continued to grow over the years. Holly went on to graduate from Berklee College of Music in Boston where she majored in music therapy. Holly joined the Cancer Institute as a music therapist in 2020. Music therapy focuses on enhancing the well-being of patients and families who are dealing with cancer by supporting their physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs through live
“You being at my mother’s side playing beautiful music was such a blessing. It made everything a lot easier for us.” - Family Member “No thanks could ever be enough. We are going through yet another, not so welcomed journey. You took us off our path, to a heavenly, peaceful path with your voice and instrument. For that, we will forever be grateful.” - Family Member “Here at The University of Tennessee Medical Center, we have a reputation for being innovative and a leader in all things patient care related, and music therapy for our patients and team members is simply another way that we demonstrate our commitment to providing the best in patient and
of graduates who can succeed in clinical, educational, or academic roles in the scope of palliative medicine. The mission of University Palliative Care is to compassionately serve patients and families at any stage of a serious illness in a way that honors the mind, body, and spirit. As the program celebrates its 15th anniversary, many providers, patients, and families can attest to the remarkable difference that the program has made in the delivery of compassionate and affirming patient-centered care at UTMC.
families on the scope and benefits of palliative care. Since their humble beginnings in 2008, the UPC team has grown to include three full- time physicians, 14 advanced practice providers, a social worker, a chaplain, and a music therapist. While the service only offered inpatient consultations originally, the program has expanded to offer full-time outpatient services in the Cancer Institute for patients and families going through the cancer journey. In 2022 the UPC team cared for 2,590 patients in the hospital and had 1,886 patient encounters in the outpatient clinic.
team member care.” - Chaplain Ben Lewis
14 - Cancer Institute Annual Report 2022
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