A theatre alumnus brings his experience to medicine

Pediatrician Seth Ammerman, M.D. (IAC 65-67, 69), is a specialist in adolescent medicine and a clinical associate professor at the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford's Division of Adolescent Medicine. He studied at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC and was a resident at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor before receiving a fellowship at the University of California-San Francisco Medical Center. His research focuses on at-risk and high-risk youth, smoking cessation and prevention, and eating disorders. Ammerman is medical director of the "Teen Van," a mobile clinic program providing comprehensive primary health care services to uninsured and homeless youth ages 12-24, in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties.

What did you study while you were at Interlochen?
While I was at Interlochen I was a drama major and a music minor. Besides it being great fun, I learned a lot. Both the drama and music education were comprehensive. For example, in drama I learned subjects ranging from makeup and stagecraft to theatre history and acting.

What part of your Interlochen experience would you like to relive?
The ongoing exposure to the variety of arts - music, theatre, dance, etc. - in a beautiful camp setting for an entire summer!

What drew you to the field of medicine?
My father was a physician and so I grew up in a medically oriented family. I always liked kids so no one who knows me was surprised that I ended up as a pediatrician.

Does training in the arts help you practice medicine?
Although I had a strong interest in the arts, I knew I was not going into the arts as a career. However, my parents (and I) realized that an excellent and broad arts education/experience would be beneficial to me no matter what my career goals. As a drama major and music minor at Interlochen, I received a comprehensive and fun arts education during my four Interlochen summers. Not only did what I learn at Interlochen enhance my appreciation of the arts, it also helped me in my subsequent medical training. In fact, I think there is a direct link between medicine and the arts. There is an "art" to the successful practice of medicine. The art of medicine has to do with understanding the patient's perspective, with empathy, with a sensitivity and openness that I think are enhanced by training in the arts.

Which part of your current job is most like something you did at Interlochen?
I work at Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford University. My current job is multi-faceted, seeing patients, conducting research, and teaching medical students, residents, and other health professionals. I primarily work with homeless and uninsured teens and young adults. A good way to bond with my patients is to talk about art and music, theatre and movies. Youth are tuned into the latest cultural trends and I keep up with what's going on with their help. Plus I share my interests with them and they enjoy that. I also have worked with local groups such as Theatre Works that engage the kids in creative writing and help them turn their personal stories into plays in which the youth themselves act.

What's your advice to students who are considering participation in an Interlochen program?
I think there are two main types of students. First, those who are very serious about their chosen field and are hoping to pursue a career in the arts. Second, those, like me, who are very interested in the art pursued, and want a broader and deeper appreciation of the arts. So Interlochen is not just for those who are considering a career in the arts. That second type of student at Interlochen will receive a comprehensive education in the arts that will have life-long impact. Of course, those who are considering a career in the arts will get a first-rate education, top-notch training and an experience that is unique.