Dr. Philip Scherer, Physician, Radiologist and Musician: Madeline’s Monthly Musical Tips Blog/Article for February 2026
Our blog and Radio Show shares, the life and work of Dr. Philip Scherer, M.D., Radiologist, Chief of Nuclear Medicine and PET at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and musician.
Many of the world’s medical doctors, statesmen, diplomats, inventors, scientists, printers, authors, engineers, researchers, mathematicians, poets, architects, and teachers have studied and played musical instruments since they were children. These eminent individuals have integrated music into their thinking process. Studying a musical instrument develops millions of new connections, synapses, between nerve cells in the brain.
Included is an article on the Joys of Learning a Musical Instrument by the Frisco School of Music in Frisco, Texas
Our article of the month is “A Good Way to Start the Day by Madeline Frank, Ph.D.
Feature Question for February 2026: How does Classical music play a part of Dr. Philip Scherer’s life as a Physician, Radiologist and musician and what musical instruments does he play?
https://madelinefrankviola.com/one-minute-musical-radio-show/
Early Years:
“For Dr. Scherer, being a doctor was never a question. From a young age, he would shadow his father, who was a doctor, and saw first-hand the relationship between patient and provider. His desire to help heal (just as his dad did) carried him to medical school.”
Music: Philip Scherer first learned to play the piano as a child and later learned to play the violin and viola.
“He never gave up his passion for music. Dr. Scherer went on to play during college, and performed concerts for patients alongside his brother, who was also in medical school.”
Dr. Scherer says, “It’s been a wonderful opportunity. It’s been an influential part of my life and played many roles.”
“Over the years, not only has Dr. Scherer parlayed his love for music into a professional sphere by performing with orchestras, but he’s also integrated it into his community and family life. For example, he often plays piano during church services.”
Undergraduate Degree, Medical Degree, Residency, Fellowship:
Philip Scherer, MD, “earned his undergraduate degree in Microbiology at Brigham Young University. He earned his medical degree from University of Florida College of Medicine. He completed a transitional year residency at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he served as a chief resident. He completed residency in Diagnostic Radiology at University of Florida College of Medicine and fellowship in Nuclear Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis.” (Alumni Lecture: Dr. Philip Scherer, January 5, 2022, UFHealth, UF Department of Radiology College of Medicine)
Physician at Adventhealth Orlando & Instructor and Assistant Professor University of Central Florida:
From 2016-2020: “Dr. Scherer practiced at Adventhealth Orlando and was an Instructor and Assistant Professor of Radiology at the University of Central Florida. During this time, he served as Chair of the Radiation Safety Committee, member of the Radiology Department Research and Quality and Safety committees, and Medical Director of the Adventist University Nuclear Medicine Technology Program.” (Vanderbilt University Medical Center Department of Radiology, Philip M. Scherer, MD)
Vanderbilt University Medical Center:
In 2020, Dr. Scherer joined the Vanderbilt faculty as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Radiology & Radiological Sciences. His “interests include general and therapeutic nuclear medicine, nuclear cardiology, PET CT, mentorship, teaching, and quality improvement.”
* “In 2021, he was appointed Associate Program Director of the Nuclear Medicine Residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC).”
* “In July 2022, he became the Program Director of the program. In 2023, Dr. Scherer was promoted to Associate Professor. He currently serves as a member of the Pharmacy, Therapeutics, and Diagnostics Committee and Radiology Department Quality and Patient Safety Committee at VUMC.”
Dr. Philip Scherer, MD, Assistant Professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences “also plays music professionally. He is a lifelong musician. Currently he plays viola for the Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra and violin for Orchestra Kentucky.”
He says, “that medicine and music are far more intertwined than many would expect. I think [playing music] helps prepare you for a professional career in medicine. It’s very similar. You have day one of medical school¬–you’re starting as a blank slate. It’s this principle of having daily consistent effort: studying, learning and practicing in order to hone your craft as a physician. It’s the same as a musician, in my case.” (“When Medicine Meets Music: Docs Who Rock at VUMC (May 15, 2023) Vanderbilt University Medical Center”.)
A Good Way to Start the Day by Madeline Frank, Ph.D.
Benjamin Franklin was at the age of 12 apprenticed to his older brother James, a printer. Ben was the 15th of 17 children born to Josiah and Abiah Franklin. At an early age he enjoyed reading books, learning from them, thinking and reflecting on them, and discussing them with others. He began writing articles under the pen name Silence Dogood, a 40-year-old widow, when his brother James refused to publish his articles. Ben placed his articles under the door of his brother’s publishing house at night.
During this time, he also began his self-improvement. He asked himself two questions to help “clarify and frame” his day.
Every morning he would ask, “What good shall I do this day?”
Every evening he would ask, “What good have I done today?
What questions do you ask yourself each morning and evening?
How do you start your day?
What do you read and study before going to work each day?
Never stop reading, thinking, growing and improving!
This is the great equalizer! (C) 2026 Madeline Frank
If you need a speaker or video speaker contact Madeline at: [email protected]
“Will 2026 be the Year Your Child Discovers the Joys of Learning a Musical Instrument?” (January 1, 2026) Frisco School of Music’s Post, Frisco, TX
“Many people start the year off with wishes and resolutions for the New Year. Introduce your Child (or Yourself!) to the joys and amazing benefits of learning a musical instrument!”
“Here are some the Benefits that come with taking Music Lessons:”
- “Enjoyment: Music Lessons are really fun. Period.”
- “Develop Creativity and Imagination”
- “Build Social Skills: Learning a musical instrument in a music school setting offers many opportunities to make new, likeminded friends in a supportive and caring community.”
- “Improve Academic Performance: much research has shown that students who take Music Lessons do better in school!”
- “Reduce Screen Time: daily time spent on a musical instrument is time away from electronic devices!”
- “Soothe stress and feelings of anxiety: take a break from it all by immersing yourself in beautiful music making!” (2026, Frisco School of Music in Frisco, Texas)
“Musical Notes On Math” by Dr. Madeline Frank teaches your child fractions and decimals, the fun easy way, through the rhythm of music, Winner of the Parent To Parent Adding Wisdom Award is available in book form, newly updated as an e-book on Kindle, Nook, or iBook.:
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Dr. Madeline Frank’s book “Leadership on a Shoestring Budget: Timeless Principles for Everyday Use, helps businesses stay afloat in times of trouble. She calls her innovative observations, Tuning Up Your Business. For over 25 years she has helped countless people create their great image brand, and communication style that makes them irresistible. Click on the following Amazon.com link to order your copy of “Leadership On A Shoestring Budget
“The Secret of Teaching Science & Math Through Music” shares scientific evidence, medical evidence, test results, and true stories of the world’s scientists, medical doctors, and mathematicians who have studied and played musical instruments since they were children by Madeline Frank, Ph.D. Click below:
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“Madeline’s Midnight Melodies- Music From around the World”. This CD complements her books with a blend of dance music, gigues, tangos, ballet and favorites including “Danny Boy”, Puccini’s “O Mio Babbino Caro”, Debussy’s “Claire De Lune” and others. “Madeline’s Midnight Melodies” CD is now available for purchase by downloading a song, downloading the album click below:
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Wishing you and your family a happy Valentine’s Day, from Your Non-Invasive Medicine Music Expert, Madeline
For over 30 years, Dr. Madeline Frank has helped children and adults overcome problems through Classical music. Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an award-winning teacher, author, researcher, speaker, conductor, and concert artist. She has discovered a scientific link between studying a musical instrument and academic and societal success. Madeline Frank earned her Bachelor and Master’s degree from the Juilliard School of Music. Her education has included scholarships at the Juilliard School, Indiana University, and the University of Cincinnati and she has a violin performance diploma from the North Carolina School of the Arts. (C) 2026 Madeline Frank