July 8, 2005

MGH physician performs at Partners Night at the Pops 2005

The eighth annual Partners Night at the Pops: A Celebration in Honor of Our Physicians was held June 25 at Symphony Hall. Led by Conductor Keith Lockhart, the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra began the program with some patriotic tunes in celebration of the Fourth of July holiday and ended with a special performance by guest vocalist Sam Harris, star of Broadway, film and television.

The highlight of the evening was the "DocSearch" segment when six Partners physicians competed on stage to become the next "on call" maestro — a back-up conductor for Lockhart. Lisa R. Leffert, MD, of MGH Anesthesia, and the other would-be conductors from BWH, NSMC, NWH, Faulkner and Spaulding, were asked to demonstrate their skills by conducting the orchestra in a song related to their medical specialty. Under Leffert's direction, the orchestra performed the "Cradle Song."

Their performances were judged by a physician from PCHI and BWH, as well as by Lockhart. The six physicians, who were all deemed equally qualified to conduct the orchestra, were given a conducting baton autographed by Lockhart, who instructed them to, "Keep it with you at all times, so you're always ready for my call."

Lockhart introduces Leffert before she competes in the "DocSearch" segment.