Patient Drawings and the Art of Healing

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom continues his discussion with world renowned surgeon and best-selling author, Bernie Siegel, MD.  He discusses the relationship between emotions and physical health, and how fear can destroy the body if it is persistent. He shares stories that illustrate the insights that can be found in patient drawings that can help with understanding a patient’s emotional landscape and play a pivotal role in the healing process. He also expresses his belief that today’s physicians should be trained to help their patients thrive.

Bernie S. Siegel, MD, is a well-known proponent of integrative and holistic approaches to healing that heal not just the body but also the mind and soul.  He attended Colgate University and studied medicine at Cornell University Medical College. His surgical training took place at Yale–New Haven Hospital, West Haven Veterans Hospital, and the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. In 1978 Bernie pioneered a new approach to group and individual cancer therapy called Exceptional Cancer Patients (ECaP), which utilized patients’ drawings, dreams, and feelings, and he broke new ground in facilitating important patient lifestyle changes and engaging the patient in the healing process. He is the best-selling author of Love, Medicine & Miracles and The Art of Healing.  For more information, visit: berniesiegelmd.com.