Performer Spotlight: - Dr. Peter Vasquez (Viola)

Assistant Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology

What is your connection to Penn Medicine?

I'm an attending physician and assistant professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology. I see patients in my office on Market Street, as well as working at HUP to deliver babies and perform surgery. I also teach medical students and residents.

Why did you choose to specialize in Obstetrics and Gynecology?

Ob/gyn was my favorite rotation in medical school. I liked everything, but really fell in love with ob/gyn. There is a lot of variety in the field and I never get bored. I enjoy getting to know my patients and helping them during exciting (and stressful!) times in their lives.

With such a busy job, why do you make time to have music in your life?

For me, it's really important to have interests and hobbies outside of medicine and science. I really like using a different part of my brain and a different skill set than I use in my career (although I think that there are some skills that are shared between the two).

How long have you been playing Viola?

I've only been playing viola seriously for about six years. Growing up I played the flute, including in youth orchestras. When I was a pre-med student, my flute was unfortunately stolen, and I couldn't afford to buy a new one. A friend of mine who was in my pre-med program with me had been a professional violist before making the switch to medicine. She got me started on the viola, but I was only really able to start taking lessons after I finished my medical training. I do have a flute again now, but there's a much greater demand for violists in orchestras, so I plan to stick with it! We've actually played a few pieces in PMSO that I previously played on flute, and it's been fun to hear and play them from a different part of the orchestra.

How long have you been playing in this orchestra?

I've been playing with the Penn Medicine Symphony Orchestra since the very beginning. I think I've actually only missed 3 or 4 rehearsals! It's great to be in an ensemble with people who have a similar career background, and who also love music. I think it's also important that the larger Penn community sees that doctors and scientists can also be very involved in the arts.

Is there anything that has surprised you about the Penn Med Symphony Orchestra?

I probably shouldn't be surprised, but I think we've pulled off some really great performances of challenging music. Everyone in the orchestra has such busy lives, and not everyone can make it to every rehearsal. I'm sure that practice time outside of rehearsal is also very limited for most people. Nonetheless, we always come together as an ensemble and I think we sound great!

What have been some of the highlights of being a part of this orchestra?

I've gotten to play a lot of pieces that I've always enjoyed hearing, but had never gotten the chance to perform. I also loved our rehearsal with members of the Philadelphia Orchestra in 2017! 

Interview with Peter Vasquez prior to the spring 2019 concert. Published 04/15/2019