Spotlight: - Parker Kronen

oboe - MD candidate

What’s your connection to healthcare?

I am a second year medical student at Perelman School of Medicine.

Why did you choose to pursue your chosen field?

I’ve always been a math and science person and liked caring for others. I thought that medicine was a good direction for me, but wasn’t sure what I would want to do in that space. In college I took this history of HIV class, and observed these doctor-patient relationships that were really supportive around topics that were hard to discuss. It was cool to see doctors be so supportive and I knew that I wanted to do that. That’s what sold me. I knew I definitely wanted to go into medicine and help in that way - to be able to have those supportive conversations around things that were hard to talk about.

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

I play the oboe. I’ve been playing for just over 15 years.

Why did you start playing your instrument(s)?

I have always been involved in music. I started playing piano when I was 5. Really early on I loved music. I begged my mom to start playing piano when I was 4, but she said I had to wait a year. When it came time to choosing instruments in school, I first played the alto saxophone in 5th grade, but then switched to oboe the year after and fell in love with it. I was in orchestra all throughout high school and just loved the opportunity to be part of a smaller wind section. After that I played oboe in pit orchestras and have been involved in music since.

Why is music important to you?

I really love engaging with and listening to different music. It brings me joy to think and experience different textures and sounds. I love a huge range of music. On top of that, being able to perform music with other people; being on stage there’s this unspoken communication - everyone listening so intently to each other, working together. It’s a really fun experience any time I am able to do an ensemble thing - be it with in a choir, playing piano, or oboe with an orchestra. It is just so magical.

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

If you think about what makes a healthcare team, there are so many people who all need to listen to and help one another. The same thing happens in an orchestra: you have to work with and listen to others, and make space for people when their role is more important. Another complementing aspect is being able to take critique. With my background in music, I have learned that I am willing to go into situations and not be afraid to mess up and receive feedback when the goal is to improve and learn for when it comes my time to perform or be in charge. They really line up nicely.

I think that medical people should buy into their hobbies and make space for it. Whether that’s music, or running, or arts,or anything, as medical professionals we should try to satisfy ourselves as the whole person. I just hope that people don’t lose those things they love while in medicine. A well-rounded person makes for a well-rounded provider. 

Why did you get involved in PMSO?

I heard about it through another student I met at Penn Preview. We talked about different things to get involved in and since we were both musicians we were like “So are we both going to audition for this?”
Also before coming to Penn, I was in a lab at Ohio State and there was this MD-PhD who was involved in the medical school orchestra there. I remembered him saying there were a lot of medical school orchestras in this collective group, so I was excited to see one here when I came to Penn. 

What has your experience in PMSO been like so far?

So fun. I am so thankful to go to rehearsal and always look forward to it. It brings me joy after having a lot of work in school. My intention is to keep doing it for as long as possible. It’s really been something important to me.

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

I really enjoyed playing the Walton Viola Concerto. It was so interesting - such a modern piece. We really were challenged in a good way. You worked on the difficulty of piecing everything together, and then capturing the sound you were supposed to. I thought it was a piece that was so satisfying to get together. 

Why should people come to the concert this year?

People should come because we’ve been working so hard! It’s going to sound lovely. You will get to see and celebrate the hard work of your local medical professionals and students. It’s a unique concert to go to - it’s not often you get to see people of different yet similar backgrounds with medicine as that unifying aspect come together on stage.

Interview with Parker Kronen prior to the Fall 2024 concert. Published 12/2/2024