If any member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra is injured or becomes ill while performing overseas, there is no need to look far for medical attention.
As their physician on international tours, Dr. Robert Partridge of Needham is ready and waiting in an improvised office backstage.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have this position,’’ Partridge said. “I enjoy being a physician. I’ve always liked traveling. I have a big interest in music, and I find it rewarding to be useful to a world-class orchestra. It’s the best of all worlds.’’
Partridge, who is on the medical faculty of Brown University and an emergency department physician at Emerson Hospital in Concord, has accompanied the orchestra on two-week trips through Asia in 2014, Europe in 2015, and Germany, Austria, and Luxembourg this past May.
“Every musician wants to play every night, so my job is to keep them feeling well enough to do that,’’ Partridge said. “I scope out a plan B in every city, in case there’s a problem I can’t take care of on my own. Fortunately, that hasn’t happened yet.’’
Partridge attends every practice and sits with the audience during performances, before racing backstage during intermission. He most commonly evaluates headaches, repetitive motion injuries, and hand maladies such as cracked, bleeding calluses. On call around the clock, Partridge also treats upper respiratory infections, fevers, and gastrointestinal illnesses in all ages, since many musicians travel with their families.
“We’re like a small town with a population of about 200 people,’’ he said, noting the challenge of preventing viruses from spreading through the group while traveling in confined spaces. “At the hospital, I have access to the lab, X-rays, CT scans, nurses, techs, and other doctors. On the road, it’s all clinical judgment. It’s a different role, and I really enjoy it.’’
Partridge also appreciates the side benefits of the job, such as sightseeing in beautiful cities and a front-row seat to arguably the highest-caliber classical music performed at renowned concert venues around the world.
“It’s a great group to be part of,’’ he said, “and an honor to help them do what they do.’’
Cindy Cantrell
Cindy Cantrell may be reached at cindycantrell20@gmail.com.
