WCM-Q workshop highlights therapeutic effects of music

Doha, The Gulf Observer: Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) recently held a two-day workshop to provide physicians, allied health professionals, researchers, and educators training in the use of evidence-based music interventions to treat a variety of health conditions.

Titled ‘Management of Social, Emotional, Cognitive and Neurological Disorders Using Evidence-Based Music Therapy Techniques,’ the workshop offered attendees presentations and symptomatology of common social, cognitive, and neurological disorders, and guidelines on how to refer, plan, conduct, and report a music therapy session.

Participants had the opportunity to understand how music and music tools, such as drumming circles, can help individuals foster self-esteem and express emotions, and how evidence-based sensorimotor and cognitive techniques can be used to treat speech and motor deficits such as those found in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, autism, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The workshop was directed by neuroscientist Dr. Ghizlane Bendriss, assistant professor of biology at WCM-Q, who also spoke at the event. Dr. Bendriss is the lead investigator of the first music-based clinical trial registered for Qatar titled ‘EEG responses to Arabic Music Scales.”

Other speakers at the workshop included Dr. Aseel Massoud, physician, music therapist, and professional lyrical soprano; Rula El Barghouthi, music therapist; and Dr. Khaled Zamel, associate professor of clinical pediatrics and neurology at WCM-Q.

Dr. Bendriss said: “We are delighted to once again bring together a team of expert music therapists, neuroscientists, and physicians to share their valuable insight into the effects and applications of music-based therapeutic intervention on a wide range of neurological conditions and diseases.

“The course is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to understand and implement music-based interventions effectively. We look forward to continuing to work with responsible parties to facilitate the development of this service in healthcare Institutions in Qatar by creating a community of practice.”

Deema Al Sheikhly, Director of Medical Education and Continuing Professional Development, and lecturer of education in medicine at WCM-Q, said: “Music therapy is an evidence-based treatment that can positively improve the health and wellbeing of patients suffering from a range of health conditions. The workshop comes as part of our commitment to provide healthcare practitioners and educators with enriching educational opportunities that help facilitate continuous learning and professional development.”

Commenting on her experience, one of the workshop participants, Klelia Antoniou, head of learning support-primary at Doha College, said: “It was an absolutely insightful and engaging workshop. The presenters were knowledgeable and inspiring and enabled us to deepen our understanding of neuroscience and learn how we can use music as a tool to enhance learning and create stronger connections.”

In Qatar, WCM-Q is accredited as a provider of continuing medical education by the Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP) of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and is accredited internationally by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).