Advice and Inspiration from a Local Emergency Department Physician

By Madeleine Kates

Amid the fast pace of the emergency departments of ECMC and the hospitals of the Kaleida Health System, Jeffrey Thompson M.D. finds peace in both his passion for music and his faith. A Western New York native, Dr. Thompson was raised in a musical family on a dairy farm in Livingston County, where he loved singing to the animals while performing his chores. While growing up, he also learned how to play several instruments, eventually playing the organ in church, finding comfort in performing for others through music ministry. 

Dr. Thompson’s love for music followed him through his teenage years. However, when he experienced an illness while in high school that required him to be hospitalized, he realized that he also had an underlying passion for medicine. 

After graduating from high school, Dr. Thompson received a BS in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Voice Performance, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Houghton College. Thereafter, he received his medical degree from SUNY at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and then completed his residency at SUNY at Buffalo Department of Emergency Medicine, where he served as chief resident during his final year.

Dr. Thompson refers to his focus on music, medicine, and ministry as the three M’s, noting that each has become a motivating force that helps guide his life. He explains that the combination of science and the arts has enhanced his development and learning experiences in both fields, as each requires a focus on artistry and creativity. “I could never have chosen one over the other.” He says, “Music helps me connect with, and express my emotions, helps foster my friendships, creates a sense of community, and soothes my soul after intense days in the ER. Music also helps me to better understand and connect more deeply with my colleagues. Quite simply, music is the soundtrack to my life.”

Regarding advice he has for anyone at a crossroads in making choices in their own lives, he says, “Don’t let anyone tell you that you must choose one path. There are always ways to pursue multiple dreams and realize multiple goals.”

Dr. Thompson is currently Associate Program Director, SUNY at Buffalo Department of Emergency Medicine, Attending Physician, University Emergency Medical Services, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at SUNY at Buffalo. 

To learn more about Jeffrey Thompson M.D., visit, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lE4k6-SCGrw. 

Madeleine Kates is a 2022 graduate of Niagara University with degrees in Life Sciences, Psychology, and Environmental Science.