By: Brittany Nelson, University of South Alabama Marketing and Communications Student Assistant
Photo courtesy of The Grey Scrubs

The Grey Scrubs may sound like a group of medical professionals hard at work behind hospital doors. For this group of talented medical students, The Grey Scrubs means something more: a shared passion for music and a determination to make a difference. 

This dynamic band is composed of fourth-year medical students at the University of South Alabama’s Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine. They are ready to take the stage at the highly anticipated USA Health Doc Rock fundraising event held Jan. 30 at the Soul Kitchen. The greater community comes together one night each year to watch a fun battle of the bands to support critical needs at USA Health. The members of the Grey Scrubs are determined to end their last year of medical school on a high note. 

“Doc Rock was something we knew we had to do before we graduated,” said Will Smith, guitarist for The Grey Scrubs. “So we went for it this year.”

The group came together in 2021 after a Halloween performance.

“[The band] played our first year in medical school at Halloween, and they were super good,” said Connor Martin, guitarist and vocalist for The Grey Scrubs, “But, they were missing something, and I was that something.”

The Alabama native band includes guitarist and vocalist Danner Butler from Mobile who attended Washington and Lee University for undergrad; drummer Cade Smelley from Tuscaloosa who attended the University of South Alabama for undergrad; guitarist Will Smith from Daphne, who attended the University of Alabama for undergrad; bass player Matt Waterson from Birmingham who attended Auburn University for undergrad; and guitarist and vocalist Connor Martin from Birmingham who attended Mississippi State University for undergrad and was a later addition to The Grey Scrubs. 

“I agree, there was something missing,” Smelley said. “The only thing that’s changed that got us into Doc Rock is Connor joining the band.” 

The group had applied to perform at Doc Rock four years ago without Martin but didn’t make the final cut. Nonetheless, they were determined.

Since Martin joined, The Grey Scrubs have practiced for years while balancing work and studying to perfect their sound. Doc Rock will be the first time the group, with Martin, will have a chance to perform together. 

“We’re gonna bring a lot of high energy,” Butler said. ”We’re a young group and a fun group. This is going to be our first show with all five of us, so we’re definitely going to be excited to be up there.”

Doc Rock was held Thursday, Jan. 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Soul Kitchen in downtown Mobile. The event featured feature five bands competing for various awards, with all proceeds supporting research and clinical needs at USA Health. Meet the bands at usahealthsystem.com/docrock. The Grey Scrubs are supporting the Department of Medical Education at the Whiddon College of Medicine.

“When we all come together and the music starts flowing, our passion comes out,” Smith said.