As part of a new partnership with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (MSO), member doctors of Médecins francophones du Canada can now prescribe tickets to live performances.  

The initiative is part of a burgeoning movement in health care called social prescribing, which takes a holistic approach to well-being by helping people gain access to community programs and supports that address a range of social factors influencing health. The Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing says the approach is guided by the principle that “people are healthier when they are connected to resources and supports in their communities.” 

McGill experts are available to comment on this topic: 

Mathieu Roy is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) on Brain Imagining of Pain. He is involved in the research aspect of the MSO-Médecins francophones partnership and can discuss the relationship between music and pain relief. 

mathieu.roy3 [at] mcgill.ca (English, French) 

Robert Zatorre is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. He is also the Canada Research Chair in Auditory Cognitive Neuroscience. He spoke at the partnership launch between the MSO and Médecins francophones. He can discuss the scientific basis for social prescribing and his recent research on how music affects the brain, including our emotions and memories.  

robert.zatorre [at] mcgill.ca (English, French) 

Christophe Bedos is a Professor with the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences. Dr. Bedos is a dentist with a PhD in Public Health. He can discuss the role of social prescribing in dentistry, access to care and the relationship between public health solutions and social justice. 

christophe.bedos [at] mcgill.ca (English, French)