Med Student Band Sixth Sense to Perform at Doc Rock
Posted on January 20, 2026 by Brittany Nelson
Blending genres and breaking stereotypes, Sixth Sense stands apart from this year’s Doc Rock competitors as the only band composed entirely of medical students from the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine. The group will battle four other USA Health–affiliated bands for a good cause when they take the stage Thursday, Jan. 29, at Soul Kitchen in downtown Mobile.
Sixth Sense first came together as a trio for an Arts in Medicine showcase at the University of South Alabama in fall 2024. A year later, the group expanded its lineup, adding three members from the incoming medical school class to create a more dynamic sound.
“Active listening and uniformity across the ensemble during a performance requires the same amount of detail, trust and communication that is essential in medical practice,” said Israel Valenzuela, the band’s keyboard player and second-year medical student from Ocean Springs, Mississippi. “At the intersection where the unlimited possibilities for expression in music meets the ceaseless expansion of science and medicine is where we find, as future physicians, our sixth sense.”
Other band members include main vocalists Maddison Hill, a second-year medical student, and Cya Edwards, a first-year medical student; guitarist Cade Meyers, a first-year medical student; bass player Charity Yarbrough, a second-year medical student; and drummer Wesley Yarbrough, a first-year medical student. Charity and Wesley are siblings from Huntsville, Alabama; Edwards is from Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Hill is from Mobile, and Meyers is from Biloxi, Mississippi.
Sixth Sense’s set promises a dynamic mix of bold rock anthems, timeless classics and infectious dance beats — designed to keep the crowd engaged from start to finish.
“Attending Doc Rock is a great reason to take a break from studying, enjoy live music, and build school culture and a sense of community,” said Valenzuela, who earned a bachelor’s degree in music and master’s in biomedical sciences at South before starting medical school. “Doc Rock isn’t just about hearing great bands perform. It’s a chance to support USA Health”
All proceeds from Doc Rock support critical research and clinical needs at USA Health. Funds raised by each of the five competing bands benefit a range of entities and projects, with votes, sponsorships and ticket sales contributing to the event’s overall mission.
“Some of us have worked at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, and we’ve seen up close how much their care means to patients,” said Meyers, who earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from South before attending medical school. “Being able to give back through Doc Rock makes this performance really special for us.”
Advance tickets are available for the 5th annual event. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m.
All University of South Alabama students can receive 20% off presale tickets with a valid student email. Purchase tickets, vote and learn more about all the bands at USAHealthSystem.com/DocRock.