'I guess we could describe today's event (Grand Rounds) as something that sits at the intersection of medical education and pop culture.' Gabriel, the dean of the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. 'I might call this a historical event, certainly a one-of-a-kind event for any medical school anywhere,' said Sherine E. The discussion that followed led to what eventually became last month's Grand Rounds presentation. Now Dr. Michelle Udine, the former student is a resident in pediatrics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine. Last spring, after learning about 'Phantom' and hearing about the forthcoming Grand Rounds presentation, students were invited by Udine to attend the Broadway show and participate in a backstage tour. Read more articles and stay in touch with your local news by clicking here READ: RWJ surgeon talks robotics at Roosevelt Care Center READ: Rutgers brings on Broadway star to lead academy

'One of the first things I did was give her a manuscript of a paper - very rough draft - of my perspective of what ails Christine Daae and how 'The Phantom of the Opera' can be used to teach the depressive disorders.'

'A couple months later, she invited me to see her sister as Christine,' Tobia said. Udine made her Broadway debut in 2015, concluding her run in May 2016. Medical students are given films to watch as homework with the understanding they are to come to class ready to discuss 'what the film is REALLY about.' After a discussion about 'Phantom' from the perspective of the mood disorders, Michelle Udine gave a parting 'oh, by the way' informing Tobia that her sister was portraying Christine in the national North American tour of the Broadway show. In 2012, Udine's sister, Michelle Udine, was a medical student in one of Tobia's courses. It was pure happenstance that Udine and Tobia joined forces. And her response is singing those very lyrics.' I turn to Julia in character as Christine and ask her questions that I would ask in a clinical setting. 'I have long used the lyrics from the songs as patients statements that will support what I really think is going on. 'I've had this in my mind for years,' said Tobia, who has many responsibilities at the medical school including serving as clerkship director, co-program director for psychiatry residency training and director of the psychiatry core elective for internal medicine residents, and directing and overseeing all undergraduate medical education programs in the Department of Psychiatry. Symptoms such as mounting anxiety, depression, delusions, fixed beliefs, trance state, voices, hallucinations, defense mechanisms and personality change were examined through the psychiatrist's lens in order to come to a diagnosis. Tobia has become a pioneer in medical education - teaching psychiatric courses infused with pop culture references.īefore the audience, Tobia delved deeper into the story of 'The Phantom of the Opera' as if Christine were his patient. The psychiatrist in him can't help but analyze and uncover mental illness hidden in the lyrics, storyline or character development. Anthony Tobia, associate professor of psychiatry at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. NEW BRUNSWICK – When most people go to the movies or a Broadway show, they are looking for a little entertainment, and a short break from reality. After the case study presentation, a panel of experts discussed depression and suicide issues.The fictional case study featured actress Julia Udine, who recently starred as Christine on Broadway.This debut lecture focused on mood disorders by examining the character of Christine Daae in Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'The Phantom of The Opera.'.Anthony Tobia, associate professor of psychiatry at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, teaches psychiatric courses infused with pop culture references.

Think of me phantom of the opera pop