Doctor Lincoln Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Surgeons and musicians have more in common than might be expected. For example, both have to rely on imagination and creativity. Kochi surgeon-turned-singer-songwriter Dr Lincoln Samuel says, “Every day is not the same heart – the challenges are different, the surgeon has to improvise and be creative, just like a musician creates his own collection. Makes.”

After repairing hearts as a senior specialist in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery (he has worked in various hospitals including Aster Medcity, Kochi), Dr. Lincoln decided to pursue his own. He launched his first album wallflower To receive rave reviews in 2016. It was a confirmation of everything he always believed. He says, “When I used to hear myself playing guitar and singing alone in the dorm room in my younger days, I knew I could make a career in music.” 20 years later he is busy performing many shows across the country and collaborating with musicians across the world. His first international collaboration was as music producer on Scottish Indian artist Nushka’s single ‘Adipoli’.

Doctor Lincoln Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

He adopted the stage name Doc Lincoln and carved a niche for himself in the indie music scene; their 2023 album see you soon It was extremely personal, where he talked about his inner feelings and his journey as a musician. He says, “I just wanted to be able to express myself musically and for the world to notice my work.” In addition to playing guitar and singing, Dr. Lincoln wrote and composed his own songs. Are. Their style is alternative rock meets new wave revival.

In 2018, he was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome (a term not widely used today) and it was a defining moment in his personal and professional life. He realized why he always found music therapeutic. He decided to leave his medical profession and pursue music full-time. Dr. Lincoln also began to be actively involved in awareness campaigns on neurodivergence. “I have a form of high-functioning autism and am still receiving therapy for my challenges, but what about people with low-functioning and non-verbal autism? I wanted to be their voice.”

Doctor Lincoln Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

He further said, people with autism have abnormal neurological wiring which makes them overjoyed and music has a calming effect on them, this has been scientifically proven. Dr. Lincoln has been vocal about the inclusion of neurodivergent people in the music industry. “We need to keep educating people to create a more inclusive space for everyone.”

He says that his personal journey, although punctuated by confusing incidents, has been rewarding. He still remembers his first professional event. “It was in 2009 at the 24th edition of the famous Independence Rock Music Festival. I was playing bass guitar for a band based in Thiruvananthapuram. crimson wood Powered by Actor Srinath Bhasi. It was a big stage. I was afraid of crowds, lights and felt like I would suffocate and have convulsions. But I was able to play and I came off the stage happy. After twenty seconds of exposure, I was able to get into the rhythm. It was just like cardiac surgery. That was until I made the first incision and then it bled out,” says Dr. Lincoln.

This is what he wants for neurodivergent individuals. Finding a place where they can grow into winning versions of themselves.

Music was always a part of Dr. Lincoln’s life. Through his medical education and even during his postgraduate studies in surgery and cardiothoracic surgery, he devoted all his free time to music. He was also part of the now defunct experimental band once chosen,

He is currently working on a song with journalist and lyricist Ronnie Kuriakose on Commander Abhilash Tomy, the first Indian to complete a solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe in 2013. Lincoln is also working on a song with actor Vinay Forte. He further added, “It will feature contemporary Fort Kochi-based folk songs mixed with electronica.” His own sophomore Malayalam single oru punk Follow till 2023 nyewhich explores the international ‘punk’ music subculture in Malayalam, is set to release in 2025.

Dr. Lincoln says most people underestimate the work of musicians. “This is a very subtle area. You need to build your musical vocabulary. You need to listen to others and learn from those around you. Music is not as simple as it seems. It demands constant commitment and one day, it will reward you. I am constantly working on myself to become a better musician.