Bristol Uni medic’s debut album tells the stories of the young doctor’s patients
dr Holly Dejsupa chronicles her medical journey in the form of music
dr Holly Dejsupsa’s debut album Wednesday’s on-Call features six tracks, each telling the story of a different patient. Recorded and produced around her studies at the University of Bristol Medical School and during her shift at the NHS Hospital
Holly, who provides vocals, piano and guitar on the record, said, “In medicine I can touch the patient’s stomach, listen to their chest – but with music I can reach people I can’t see.”
Some of the most touching songs on the album are As Long As I Breathe, a song about her “absurdly kind and selfless” counselor who died fighting COVID-19, and Red Freckles, about a woman struggling with bulimia.
Holly continued, “I just hope that every patient story inspires people as much as I did when I wrote it.”
The final track on the album Dawn is about a child with Angolan Syndrome, a genetic condition that meant she could only say three or four words at a time. The lyrical track is titled one of the few words Holly’s patient might say when she hopes “that somewhere in the world, wherever she is, she can sing along too.”
Holly spoke about her experience juggling music and medicine: “I’m not going to stop making music. What ultimately inspires me has always been and always will be people – and that applies both as a musician and as a doctor.
“I wrote and recorded all the songs about hospital stays. Eventually it became even more stressful than the medicine!”
Holly is working towards becoming a plastic surgeon specializing in limb reconstruction, but has no plans to give up her passion for music, which began performing at concerts and talent shows at the age of three.
Photo credit: University of Bristol
Sarah Purdy, University of Bristol Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience and part-time doctor, said: “The practice of medicine is both an art and a science and the ability to communicate with people is a core competency for medical students and Doctors .
“Holly’s amazing talents in music and medicine take this to the next level.
“These beautiful tracks really touched me while listening – I found them haunting and thought provoking. Thank you Holly for sharing them with us.”
Featured photo credit via the University of Bristol.
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