In this festive edition of the BMJ podcast, we hear about what medicine can learn from music, when it comes to giving a convincing performance, and how we can grow an evidence base for nature prescribing.

Professors Roger Kneebone and Aaron William of the Centre for Performance Science raise the curtain on the performance of medicine, and we hear what your consultation technique could learn from a hairstylist.

Ruth Garside, Professor of Evidence Synthesis, Kerryn Husk, Associate Professor of Health Sciences and Edward Chapman from the Health and Environment Public Engagement Group then discuss 'nature prescribing', and wonder about how to balance maintaining the joy derived from nature and yet create an evidence base for the medicinal benefits associated with it.

Reading list

Medicine: a performing art

Nature prescribing

00:13 Introduction to the BMJ Podcast
00:36 Exploring the Themes of the Christmas Edition
01:38 The Intersection of Medicine and Performance
02:33 The Art and Science of Performance in Medicine
05:04 The Role of Performance in Music
06:29 The Similarities Between Medicine and Music
08:06 The Role of Experiential Learning in Performance
14:11 The Impact of Audience on Performance
19:04 The Benefits of Nature and Green Prescribing
24:52 The Challenges of Measuring the Impact of Nature Prescribing
30:37 The Community's Engagement with Nature Prescribing
33:01 Conclusion and Farewell

Thanksgiving Episode Featuring Bill Murray (stories)