Richmond Leader

Dr. John Ditto of Richmond Breathe Free participated in the VCU Health Orchestra and Wind Ensemble’s holiday concert at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond, playing the cello. The event was organized to bring seasonal cheer to patients, their families, and hospital staff.

According to VCU Health YouTube, the VCU Health Orchestra & Wind Ensemble, accompanied by Pablo Talamante, performed holiday and children's classics in the Indoor Garden at the Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).

Ditto is a board-certified otolaryngologist with over two decades of experience in Richmond. He specializes in minimally invasive treatments for sinus and allergy conditions. As per Richmond Breathe Free, he founded a Sinus & Allergy Center in Short Pump that focuses on advanced office-based procedures to provide effective and convenient care for patients. He currently practices at Richmond Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers.

Richmond Breathe Free is known for its specialization in sinus, allergy, and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions in Richmond, which is referred to as the Seasonal Allergy Capital of the U.S. The center offers minimally invasive treatments aimed at providing long-term relief from persistent symptoms.

The VCU Health Orchestra and Wind Ensemble are among the few programs in academic medical centers across the U.S. that have their own symphony orchestra and wind ensemble. According to its website, both groups were established to engage a broad audience through performances ranging from orchestral and classical music to pop music. Founded in 2017 and 2023 respectively, these ensembles consist of health system team members including nurses, physicians, students, and community volunteers. They also support wellness initiatives, foster community relationships, and raise funds for local health-related charities.

VCU Health is an academic medical system offering diverse healthcare services such as a Level I trauma center, a comprehensive cancer center, and a full-service children’s hospital. It employs over 800 physicians with a focus on innovative research.