A Physician’s Innovative Method for Harmonizing Science and Art

January 5, 2025 TruthUSA

Jonathan Chen is a physician and a professor at Stanford University who not only plays piano with the Stanford orchestra but is also a magician. He recently discussed his unique approach to merging science and art on EpochTV’s “Bay Area Innovators” program.

Chen began his college education at just 13 years old through an early admission program at California State University–Los Angeles, later transferring to the University of California–Los Angeles, where he graduated by age 19. His diverse career path has enabled him to deliver patient care by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with a compassionate approach.

He clarified that there are common misconceptions surrounding AI in healthcare, noting that some individuals believe computers can accurately predict their exact death date.

“That’s not what [the computer] does. It indicates there’s a 30 percent chance you might die in five years. That can be beneficial … especially when making complex medical decisions. However, people often misinterpret these nuanced statements,” he explained.

While Chen acknowledged that technology has aided doctors in analyzing complex data and assessing patient risk factors, he also pointed out that AI has significant limitations and could lead to harmful disruptions. In such cases, maintaining a mind-body connection can help mitigate stress or anxiety, positively impacting an individual’s quality of life, he remarked.

Chen stated that his deep affinity for music greatly enhances both his personal and professional life.

One day, while listening to Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata 3rd Movement, he thought mastering such a difficult piece was beyond his capabilities.

“I felt as though … I wasn’t qualified to learn this. It seemed far too challenging. I almost felt I shouldn’t even try,” he reminisced. “But then I wondered, who could stop me?”

He began searching for tutorials and sheet music online, committing to learn just two seconds of the sonata daily. After three months, he had mastered the entire movement.

“For someone who plays as a hobby, I thought it turned out quite well, which proved to be both motivating and rewarding,” Chen shared.

“It made achieving the seemingly impossible feel attainable—by simply decomposing it into smaller steps. With consistent daily progress, it’s incredible what one can accomplish,” he asserted, describing the experience as “very uplifting.”

In addition to his musical pursuits, Chen enjoys performing magic tricks, which he finds equally therapeutic.

His interest in magic sparked around five years ago when he purchased a magic set for one of his children. He demonstrated a trick to a colleague one day.

“My colleague commented, ‘Jonathan, you really need to improve your sleight of hand.’ … What? Wow! How dare you challenge me?” Chen recalled, leading him to delve deeper into the world of magic.

Through his magic performances, he has developed greater empathy for others and a better understanding of their experiences.

“In my profession, I frequently deliver scientific and medical presentations and lectures. But let’s be honest, a one-hour lecture can be quite dull, right?

“However, by incorporating various elements and engaging hooks throughout … I believe this has significantly improved my presentation skills. It’s fantastic.”

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