Exploring Art's Healing Power: Michael Claytor and Andrew Hix on

Shift Change Radio Hour

In this episode of "Art Heals All Wounds," Michael Claytor and Andrew Hix, arts and health practitioners at the Shands Arts and Medicine program at the University of Florida Hospital in Gainesville and co-hosts of the Shift Change Radio Hour share the story behind starting this radio show. Michael, a musician, and Andrew, a literary artist, each share their journey of using art as a tool for healing within the hospital environment. They delve into their unique roles – Michael’s involvement with music engagement for patients and Andrew’s focus on storytelling.

The episode highlights their innovative project "Shift Change Radio Hour," a radio show aimed at acknowledging and appreciating the efforts of healthcare workers, especially during the pandemic. They discuss the conception and evolution of this program which focuses on playing song requests from healthcare workers, creating feature stories, and fostering community connections.

Michael, and Andrew share how the show has impacted the community, building bridges between hospital staff, patients, and the local community. They also reflect on the personal impact of the show on their own lives, emphasizing the role of collaboration and the healing power of music and storytelling.

Key Takeaways:

· Origins of Shift Change Radio Hour: The program was initiated to provide support and appreciation for exhausted healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is broadcasted twice weekly in collaboration with a local Gainesville radio station, WMBT 90.1 FM.

· Patient and Staff Interactions: The show is fully request-based, allowing healthcare workers to request songs, which creates a personal and engaging platform for staff and patients alike. This fosters deeper connections and provides a unique arts-based outlet in the healthcare setting.

· Creativity as a Healing Tool: Michael and Andrew share how integrating music and storytelling into healthcare not only benefits patients but also enriches their own lives as practitioners. They emphasize the importance of boundaries and self-care in their roles, as well as the rewarding nature of their work.

· Community Building: The show has successfully created connections between hospital staff, patients, and the broader community, emphasizing the human aspects of healthcare environments.

· Personal Reflections: Both guests express how the show has transformed their approach as artists and their understanding of community engagement through creative media.