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A group of physicians who share a passion for both medical education and rock music will take the stage for a one-of-a-kind community concert, \u201cLouder Than Cancer!,\u201d on Friday, March 27, at the Theater at North in Scranton. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the show is part of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of preventive screenings.<\/p>\n
The educational event will feature Rockdoc and the Healers, a rock band made up of medical professionals and musicians who use music as a platform to spark conversations about health. In addition to live music, the evening will include educational information tables highlighting the importance of colorectal cancer screenings and connecting attendees with regional providers of whole-person primary health services.<\/p>\n
The idea for \u201cLouder Than Cancer!\u201d was conceptualized by Dr. Vikas Khurana, program director of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education\u2019s Gastroenterology Fellowship Program. More than 20 years ago, Dr. Khurana, along with Dr. Steve Eskin, now the lead singer of the rock band and a fellow gastroenterologist, dreamed of combining their passions for medicine with music. That vision is finally coming to fruition, grounded in a simple but powerful belief: music can make a deeper, more lasting impact than wordy teaching alone.<\/p>\n
The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education are the platinum sponsor of the event, reinforcing their shared commitment to prevention, education, and community well-being.<\/p>\n
\u201cColon cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when it\u2019s caught early, yet too many people delay or avoid screening,\u201d said Dr. Eskin. \u201cMusic has a way of breaking down barriers. If we can get people in the door for a great rock show and leave them feeling empowered to take charge of their colon health, then we\u2019ve done something truly meaningful.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Eskin will be joined on stage by Dr. Reese Hofstrand, a fellow physician in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education\u2019s Gastroenterology Fellowship Program, along with the Giron brothers, rounding out the band\u2019s high-energy lineup.<\/p>\n
The educational program and concert are being organized by Dr. Peter Iskander, also a fellow physician in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education\u2019s Gastroenterology Fellowship Program, who is leading efforts to blend entertainment with evidence-based health education.<\/p>\n
Tickets for \u201cLouder Than Cancer!\u201d are free and available through Eventbrite. While there is no cost to attend, audience members are asked to complete a brief educational survey about colon health as part of the program\u2019s awareness initiative. Concertgoers will also have the opportunity to make a voluntary financial donation, with all proceeds from sponsorships and donations benefitting the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is about meeting people where they are in our communities,\u201d Dr. Eskin added. \u201cWe want the message to be clear: screening saves lives, and taking that first step doesn\u2019t have to be intimidating.\u201d<\/p>\n