"When I was a child, I told my parents that I wanted to be a singing doctor.  They readily embraced my desire to be a doctor but they never encouraged me to believe that I could actually do both.  It was hard for them to imagine that a doctor could also be a professional singer.  When I look back at my life, I realize that as I grew older, I too doubted my ability to do both. I forged ahead in my quest to becoming a medical doctor but I basically abandoned my desire to sing.  I would sing occasionally at church and other occasions but it certainly was not a big part of my life.  When I finally became a medical doctor, I quickly realized that something was missing.  I felt that I was meant to do more.  My desire to sing was rekindled but at that point, I doubted my ability to do it.  Fast forward 4 years to my first encounter with Mary at a TEDMED conference in 2017.  I shared my dream of becoming a singing doctor with her and the rest is history.  She encouraged me to believe in myself and in my dream.  Mary helped me prepare my Music In Medicine proposal which I presented to the TED Foundation.  Mary encouraged me to think deeply about my purpose and the message that I want to send to the world with my brand.  With her guidance, in 2019, I came to understand that my watchwords are “Being True.”  As a way of being true to myself, I started a podcast series called Prescriptions In Song, which aims to promote awareness of the healing potential of music, from an academic as well as a practical perspective.  I have also made significant strides in my quest to become a professional vocalist, winning third place in a NYC-based international vocal competition.  I am eternally grateful to Mary for her unwavering support of my vision from the very beginning and for her commitment to helping me realize my dream.  Dr. Sydelle R, hospice & palliative care physician."