Ryan R. Sun, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Urology at Stanford University School of Medicine, has linked musical background to improved dexterity and fundamental surgical skill quality. This statement was made in a peer-reviewed study.
"Musical background is associated with better performance of fundamental surgical skills among surgical novices, particularly technique quality," said R. Sun. "Participants with prior musical experience performed better than nonmusicians on the Mini-Profile of Music Perception Skills test (P = .015), dominant hand dexterity (P = .05), suture quality (P < .03), and laparoscopic peg transfer speed (P < .01) There was no significant difference in the suturing speed between musicians and nonmusicians. Although this does not imply superior ultimate surgical ability, musicality may be a marker for basic surgical skill development useful in identifying suitable candidates for surgical training."
According to research from the National Library of Medicine, practicing music enhances cognitive abilities, ambidexterity, and hand-eye coordination—skills essential for surgical training. Studies indicate that musicians often excel in tasks requiring fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, and timing. These capabilities are directly applicable to complex surgical procedures, prompting further investigation into the connection between musicality and medical training.
Sun's 2021 study revealed that trainees with a musical background scored higher on music perception, dominant hand dexterity, suture quality, and laparoscopic peg transfer speed compared to nonmusicians. Sun noted that both musical perception and manual dexterity were strong predictors of suture quality. The study used standardized assessments and found statistical significance in these skill areas.
A study highlighted by Bigger Better Brains reported that pianists learned surgical knot-tying techniques more quickly and performed these tasks with higher quality than non-musicians. This advantage is attributed to refined bimanual dexterity, finger independence, and precise hand control developed through years of piano practice. The research suggests that these musical motor skills translate directly to improved early surgical technique.
Dr. John Ditto, a board-certified otolaryngologist at Richmond Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers and an active member of the VCU Health Orchestra who has played the cello for over 20 years, said: "Music is medicine to my soul; it soothes the mind and lifts my spirit." Over the last 14 years, Ditto has successfully treated sinus patients with balloon technology focusing on safe office-based procedures.
Dr. Ryan R. Sun is a board-certified urologist specializing in endourology and minimally invasive surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine. He completed his medical degree at the University of Toronto and advanced training at Stanford. Sun speaks fluent Mandarin and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications on kidney stone disease, oncology, education, and surgical innovation.
