Abu Dhabi: More than 60 patients, visitors and doctors attended the Music and Medicine Concert Lecture at the Shaikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) managed by Cleveland Clinic.

According to Tej Maini, CEO of SKMC studies have shown that music has positively impacted health and wellness throughout time and across cultures.

"Our patient population at SKMC is multicultural; we receive patients from more than 60 different nationalities.

"Last year's concert was successful; our patients have enjoyed it and benefited from it, and we intend to present this annually in corporation with the Arts and Medicine Institute of Cleveland Clinic and ADMAF," said Maini.

Healing hand

Dr Kamal Chemali, Cleveland Clinic physician and a course director of the Concert-Symposium said, "Cleveland Clinic believes that healing should begin the moment a patient walks through our doors.

"New research shows that the arts are good medicine — providing comfort, elevating the spirit, and affirming life and hope. When used as a therapy, music can provide pain relief and reduce anxiety. The arts, when combined with outstanding patient care, create an environment that encourages healing.

"The healing, nurturing effects of music and art cannot be overestimated. Through events such as the Music and Medicine Concert Lecture at the Abu Dhabi Festival, we can see for ourselves the happiness, comfort and reassurance music brings to those who are in pain or distress," said Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo, Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation Founder and Director.