Page 42 - Rana Sampson Issue (1)

The Healing Power of Music

When one thinks of an Oncologist it is often with fear and trepida- tions will provide a wonderfully produced CD of the original song,
tion, unless the Oncologist is Dr. Steven G. Eisenberg. Dr. Eisen- and 50 percent of the donation goes to cancer research for their
berg takes great pride in his ability to ease the high level of anxiety particular disease. The website will allow people to become produc-
faced by patients suffering through a diagnosis of cancer. Often Dr. ers and will be a living archive of all the songs (with family permis-
Eisenberg is the bearer of bad news, having to inform patients that sion). People can log on and listen to their song and read their lyrics
they have a potentially life threatening illness. When he does so, he anytime.”
also comforts them with the knowledge that he will do whatever he
can to work towards a positive outcome. “Lastly, I envision a Lyrical Life benefit concert where all the friends
Dr. Eisenberg’s story was recently covered by NBC news when and family come together and celebrate life. We want people to get
they heard about his unique approach. One of his patients, Lauren, how great they are while they are with us. That could make all the
was a young woman diagnosed with Breast Cancer. When she first difference in the world. A world captured in a simple song.”
came to see him he promised her that he would be with her every Dr. Eisenberg is a Diplomate, American Osteopathic Board of Inter-
step of the way on this frightening journey. She says the doctor's nal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Hematology. He received his
compassion helped her B.A. from Pennsylvania State University.
get to where she is today – He attended medical school at the Phila-
cancer free. delphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
What makes Dr. Eisenberg After receiving his doctorate, he complet-
unique is that he listens to ed an Internal Medicine Internship and
his patients. However, he Residency at the Philadelphia College of
takes it one step further: Osteopathic Medicine Hospital Consor-
He spends time with his tium and was named Chief Intern.
patients, learning all he Even while training it was obvious that
can about them and then Dr. Eisenberg put importance not only
he writes them a song. in his medical training, but also took
42 The songs are not about interest in every one of his patients. He
was the first recipient of the Emanuel
their medical condition, but
instead they are about their Fliegelman, D.O. Humanitarian Award for
lives. Focusing on living the doctor exhibiting highly compassion-
and not dying is often the ate care during residency.
key to emotionally dealing This compassion has come through in
with a sometime dismal yet another way. In addition to his medi-
diagnosis. Dr. Eisenberg is cal practice, which is spread throughout
the founder of The Lyrical the North County with offices in Poway,
Life Foundation which helps Escondido and Vista, Dr. Eisenberg
bring the joy of music to sought out yet another way to spread his
those who need it most. As medical expertise and caring spirit. Dr.
Dr. Eisenberg stated, “The Eisenberg wanted to help patients in the
Lyrical Life Foundation has final journey through life. He researched
been a dream of mine since the possible options and found the best
2005. The mission is that way for him to do so was to join Light-
every cancer patient has a Bridge Hospice and Palliative Care. He
song that speaks to their contacted Jill Mendlen, the founder and
power and contribution to CEO, and was soon helping to care for
the world, the ‘song of their the patients in Hospice while bringing a
soul’ if you will. I believe that smile to their faces with his customized
participating in the creation songs. Dr. Eisenberg signed on as an
and then hearing "your associate medical director for Light-
song" can greatly contribute Bridge Hospice. “He brings a clinical skill
to a better quality of life and emotional skill that is just amazing,”
before, during and after cancer treatment. Or even if one decides said Jill Mendlen, Founder and CEO of LightBridge Hospice. "He's
not to be treated. Patients have told me that they experienced a a true gift."
deep sense of validation and a peaceful feeling that the song will be Jill Mendlen and the staff at LightBridge aren’t the only ones to
heard by their friends and families for a long, long time.” recognize the dedication and concern Dr. Eisenberg shows. He
has recently been nominated for best bedside manner at Tri-City
Dr. Eisenberg’s vision of what can be accomplished through his Hospital.
foundation proves how much he cares about each patient and I was personally treated to a sample of Dr. Eisenberg’s talents when
wants them to live on in the hearts and minds of loved ones even he responded to an email I sent for some additional information in
after they are gone. “This nonprofit will allow friends and family (and order to write this article. I was honored when he shared a bit of his
anyone) to be ‘record producers’ for their loved ones. The dona- talents with me:
March/April 2011