Mangaluru: A new online programme titled “Certificate Course in Music Therapy for Health Professionals” from Department of Geriatric Medicine, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru was inaugurated by Dr. T. V. Sairam, President, Indian Music Therapy Association on Tuesday August 24 at 10.00 am.
This 6-month certificate course involving 60 hours is offered as an online course during the pandemic time and will be offered as offline course, subsequently. In all, 14 participants have registered for the course. The course involves interactive lectures, group discussions and few practical hours.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. T. V. Sairam said, “Music has been used for treatment of patients from time immemorial in India. However, research by Modern medicine methods to create evidence is lacking. Music is known to have healing powers in mood disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, relieving anxiety and pain. It definitely improves mental and spiritual health and encourages emotional expressions.”
Dr. K. S. Gangadhara Somayaji, Registrar, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) released Music Preference Questionnaire. Dr. M. S. Moosabba, Dean/Principal, YMC, mentioned about music being used for improving the outcome during the surgery.
Dr. Prabha Adhikari, Professor and Head, Department of Geriatric Medicine, mentioned that although music therapy courses are offered in some centres in India, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) is the first healthcare institution to offer the course to healthcare professionals.
Dr. M. Vijaya Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) presided over the function. Dr. C. V. Raghuveer, Former Pro-Vice Chancellor and Dr. Vijayalakshmi Subramaniam, Course Co-ordinator, Professor and Head, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, sang the invocation song. Dr. Vijayalakshmi Subramaniam welcomed the gathering.
