Spotlight: - Charlotte Monsour

Violin - Md-phd candidate

What’s your connection to healthcare?

I am a 3rd-year MD-PhD student at Penn.

Why did you choose to pursue your current field?

I was drawn to medicine because I enjoyed the problem-solving aspects of it, and I also wanted to help people. Joining a research lab in college was what pushed me to consider a dual-degree program.

What instrument(s) do you play in PMSO, and how long have you played these instrument(s)?

I play the violin, and I have been playing for ~17 years.

Why did you start playing your instrument(s)?

I don’t totally remember, but apparently as a kid I was very insistent that I really wanted to play the violin. My mother is a professional classical violinist, so that may have had something to do with it.

Why is music important to you?

Music is important to me because of the opportunity it provides for expressing myself, and also because of the people I have met through playing in orchestras growing up. I think it’s fair to say I would have quit violin a long time ago if I didn’t have opportunities to play in groups with other people.

Do you think music and healthcare can complement each other in any way?

Yes! I like how both are very dependent on teamwork and collaboration, with all of the members of a group working towards a common goal. In addition, both medicine and healthcare have aspects that are more technical, and aspects that are more creative/expressive, and I think those parallels are very interesting.

Why did you get involved in PMSO?

Once I knew I would be coming to Penn for my graduate training, I started looking for ways to get back into playing in a group, and I was very excited when I discovered PMSO! I wanted to be able to continue to make music in an orchestral setting, as a form of stress relief and a fun hobby outside of school.

What has your experience in PMSO been like so far?

I’ve loved it! It’s been great to meet people from all over Penn/medicine/science, and we’ve played a lot of fun music over the years I’ve been in the orchestra.

What is your favorite piece that you’ve performed with us? Have there been any highlights of playing with the orchestra?

I really like the Price Symphony No. 3 that we’re playing this semester! I’ve also really enjoyed the social events that the orchestra has put on that I’ve been able to attend.

Why should people come to the concert this year?

I think the Price symphony is a really fun piece that isn’t played as often as it should be, and so I think coming to the concert this year gives people an opportunity to hear some music that they maybe haven’t heard before. Plus, the other pieces we’re playing are also super fun, and if you have a friend or colleague in the orchestra, it’ll be fun to see them on stage!

Interview with Charlotte Monsour prior to the Fall 2024 concert. Published 11/30/2024