Dr. Steere is also the pianist for his church choir.
“I’m a member of the Wellesley Congregational Church choir, so that’s a regular and active way of expressing music in my life now,” he says.
Some people may feel cheated after a disorder partially robs them of a promising musical career. But when Dr. Steere looks back, there’s no bitterness or anger, just fond memories and extreme gratitude.
Whether playing the violin or the piano, he says music has always offered balance in his life, enhanced his listening skills as a physician and served as the backdrop for many of his long-term friendships.
He still remains good friends with Perlman and other famous violinists he grew up with, such as Pinchas Zuckerman, following their careers with great interest. Roughly 60 years later, he also keeps in touch with Gretchen, perhaps the person most responsible for his musical journey.
“It has worked out for the best,” says Dr. Steere. “It wasn’t the way I envisioned [my life] when I was younger, … but on the other hand, I feel I’ve been able to lead a very rewarding life in medicine.”
Carol Patton, a freelance writer based in Las Vegas, Nev., writes the Rheum after 5 column for The Rheumatologist.
