Today we’d like to introduce you to Iain Forrest.
Hi Iain, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Maryland and started playing cello as a kid, eventually studying music while also pursuing science and medicine. What began as a hobby gradually became a second career. While studying biology at University of Maryland, I performed with the University’s Orchestra and took a leap to play music inside hospitals. Seeing the incredible effect of music and medicine to help others, this inspired me to pursue a career as a physician and musician. While completing my MD-PhD training at Mount Sinai in NYC, I spent years performing in New York City, first in parks and subway stations, then later in massive venues, all the while learning how to connect with complete strangers through music.
At the same time, I was building a career as a physician-scientist, researching how big data, genetics, and artificial intelligence can improve patient care. For a long time, those worlds felt completely separate. One was medicine and research; the other was music and performance.
Over time, I realized they had more in common than I thought. Both are ultimately about helping others through human connection.
That realization led me to perform not only in public spaces, but also in hospitals, community events, weddings, and conferences. Along the way, I was fortunate to perform at venues such as Radio City Music Hall with Josh Groban, Madison Square Garden for the New York Knicks, and Yankee Stadium.
One of the most meaningful parts of the journey has been bringing music back into healthcare settings. Whether I’m playing for a patient, a family, or a crowd of thousands, the goal is the same: to create moments of connection and joy.
Today I live in Baltimore with my wife and daughter, balancing life as a physician, researcher, performer, songwriter, and dad.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road.
For many years I was trying to build two careers simultaneously. During medical school, graduate school, residency, and research training, there were countless moments when pursuing music seemed impractical. There were late nights, early mornings, and plenty of uncertainty about whether either path would ultimately work.
One of the biggest challenges came in New York City when I was assaulted while performing in the subway. Music had become such a major part of my identity, and for a while I seriously questioned whether I wanted to continue performing in public at all.
What helped me move forward was remembering why I started. Music was never really about the venues, the views, or the social media numbers. It was about creating moments that bring people together.
Some of the opportunities that I created—including performing at Madison Square Garden and other major venues—came only after I persevered, digging myself out of some of those lowest moments. Looking back, I’m grateful I didn’t quit when things got difficult.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that meaningful things rarely follow a straight path. Most of the best opportunities in my life happened because I stayed persistent long enough to reach them.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an electric cellist, singer-songwriter, physician, and researcher.
Most people know me for performing recognizable songs on electric cello in unexpected places—from Baltimore parks and waterfront areas, to hospitals and major arenas. My performances blend contemporary music, vocals, and live looping to create an experience that’s both engaging and approachable.
What makes my work unique is the combination of music and medicine. As a musician, I’ve experienced how music can create that connection instantly between complete strangers. It’s that same humanistic, empathetic approach that I take with me to the bedside as a physician in supporting my patients.
Some of the projects I’m most proud of involve bringing music directly to patients, families, and healthcare workers. I’ve performed in hospitals, created content around the idea of “music as medicine,” and worked to make live music accessible outside traditional concert settings.
I also write and release original music, and continue to perform throughout Baltimore, New York, and beyond.
What sets me apart is that I don’t see music and medicine as separate careers anymore. They’re simply two different ways of helping people feel seen, connected, and understood.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was the kid who was equally interested in science and music. I spent a lot of time playing cello, but I was also fascinated by how things worked and loved learning. Looking back, I’m not sure I ever chose between those interests—I just kept following both of them. My parents were incredibly supportive, and I think that gave me the confidence to pursue an unconventional path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/eyeglassesmusic
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eyeglasses.stringmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EyeglassesStringMusic/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iainsforrest/
- Twitter: https://x.com/IainSForrest
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/eyeglassesstringmusic
- Other: https://ffm.to/eyeglasses
