Sam Rodgers-Melnick, MPH, MT-BC

Samuel Rodgers-Melnick is a music therapist and clinical researcher within University Hospitals Connor Whole Health, specializing in the care of adults with sickle cell disease (SCD). As a clinician serving patients at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Sam has developed several interventions directed at improving pain management outcomes in adults with SCD in both inpatient and outpatient settings. He developed the BEATS program, a structured music therapy program for young adults with SCD aimed at improving self-efficacy, trust in the medical profession, and SCD knowledge in collaboration with the pediatric and adult SCD teams. He also designed and constructed the first mobile recording studio for the University Hospitals system. This mobile studio enables music therapists and patients to create and record music therapy interventions targeted at specific outcomes within the privacy of headphones.

Currently, Sam is focusing his research on developing and investigating a comprehensive multi-session intervention to address quality of life and chronic pain in individuals with SCD. Sam’s research has been published in journals including International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health and Journal of Music Therapy. He has presented his research at several national conferences and symposiums. Outside of his research and clinical work, Sam enjoys cycling, Lego, and performing as the drummer for the Cleveland-based pop/groove/soul band “Top Hat Black.”

Education and Credentials

• Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
• MT-BC, Board Certified Music Therapist