Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Our doctors find their rhythm — in and out of the hospital. 🎶
For vascular surgeon and professor of surgery Dr. Robert McLafferty, medicine and music may seem like two different worlds, but both have become important parts of his healthcare journey.
After setting aside his guitar and songwriting during medical school, residency and the early years of his career, Dr. McLafferty rediscovered his passion for music later in life. Since then, he’s released three albums, returned to guitar lessons and is pursuing a master’s degree in songwriting. Rediscovering his creative side has also reinvigorated his work at OHSU, giving him an outlet and a chance to exercise his brain in new ways.
And sometimes, his work inspires his music. His song “My Astoria” is a tribute to his time at OHSU's partner Columbia Memorial Hospital — celebrating the colleagues, patients and community who have become part of his story. He wants to remind others there’s always room to make time for the passions that bring joy, and sometimes, those passions can make us better at what we do.
"If there's something on the side that you love, pursue it with all your heart because it will help you — and your career," Dr. McLafferty said. "There really is truth to following a dream."
Dr. McLafferty's fourth studio album releases Aug. 15 and you can listen on Spotify: bit.ly/3SvcYdr #OHSULife
Our doctors find their rhythm — in and out of the hospital. 🎶
For vascular surgeon and professor of surgery Dr. Robert McLafferty, medicine and music may seem like two different worlds, but both have become important parts of his healthcare journey.
After setting aside his guitar and songwriting during medical school, residency and the early years of his career, Dr. McLafferty rediscovered his passion for music later in life. Since then, he’s released three albums, returned to guitar lessons and is pursuing a master’s degree in songwriting. Rediscovering his creative side has also reinvigorated his work at OHSU, giving him an outlet and a chance to exercise his brain in new ways.
And sometimes, his work inspires his music. His song “My Astoria” is a tribute to his time at OHSU's partner Columbia Memorial Hospital — celebrating the colleagues, patients and community who have become part of his story. He wants to remind others there’s always room to make time for the passions that bring joy, and sometimes, those passions can make us better at what we do.
"If there's something on the side that you love, pursue it with all your heart because it will help you — and your career," Dr. McLafferty said. "There really is truth to following a dream."
Dr. McLafferty's fourth studio album releases Aug. 15 and you can listen on Spotify: bit.ly/3SvcYdr #OHSULife
