Striking a healthy note
Osler Health International has introduced Performing Arts Medicine (PAM), a specialised field, to Singapore. Dr June Tan-Sheren (pictured), with a Master’s degree in PAM from University College London, is Singapore’s only formally qualified doctor in this area.
Leveraging her expertise, she cares for musicians, dancers, vocalists and actors. She also manages a pro bono musician’s clinic that supports the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music at the National University of Singapore. Here, she sheds light on this unique discipline.
What specific issues does PAM address?
Performing artists face unique health challenges across various disciplines, including mental health, musculoskeletal issues, vocal health, hearing concerns, eyesight and dental health.
These challenges arise from the demanding nature of their craft, leading to career-threatening injuries. Professional musicians, for instance, contend with repetitive strain injuries due to factors like instrument weight and precise control. Many performers undergo intense training from childhood, working in competitive and stressful environments that often neglect their well-being.
The constant exposure to critique and perfectionistic tendencies can contribute to mental health issues. Performing artists require a holistic approach and Performing Arts Medicine (PAM) professionals specialise in addressing their physical, psychological and social needs.
How established is the concept of PAM in Singapore and what motivated you to initiate it?
PAM has only recently emerged in Singapore, even though it has been around for 50 years in the West. I’ve always loved music, theatre and dance. As a child, I played the piano and thought it would be easy to learn the cello in adulthood — but I was wrong! I experienced many repetitive strain injuries, which I could easily diagnose myself, but I had trouble figuring out the root causes and how to prevent them from reoccurring.
I discovered an established field of medicine known as PAM, which promotes best practices based on scientific research and advocates for performers’ health and well-being. When I discovered a Masters programme in PAM, it was a no-brainer to deep-dive into it and learn from the top PAM experts in the world.
How can non-professional artists benefit from PAM?
PAM physicians, like myself, employ a holistic bio-psycho-social approach that extends to every patient, not just performers. As family physicians, our core practice involves treating the whole person, not just the disease.
Drawing from PAM skill sets, I effectively address musculoskeletal issues in non-performers, voice disorders in professionals reliant on their voices and various mental health concerns such as performance anxiety and issues related to perfectionism in over-achievers, offering comprehensive care beyond the realm of performing arts.
How does Lifestyle Medicine complement PAM?
Lifestyle medicine, a cornerstone of preventive healthcare, targets pillars like nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, substance avoidance and social connections.
Given the challenges of their rigorous schedules, these pillars are crucial for performing artists. PAM physicians specialise in advising performers on optimising these lifestyle factors to ensure health, prevent injury and maintain peak performance, tailoring individual plans to meet their unique needs.