Dr Bernie Siegel - Dr. Siegel, who prefers to be called Bernie, not Dr. Siegel, was born in Brooklyn, NY. He attended Colgate University and Cornell University Medical College. He holds membership in two scholastic honor societies, Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha and graduated with honors. His surgical training took place at Yale New Haven Hospital, West Haven Veteran’s Hospital and the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. He retired from practice as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at Yale of General and Pediatric Surgery in 1989 to speak to patients and their caregivers.

In 1978 he originated Exceptional Cancer Patients, a specific form of individual and group therapy utilizing patients’ drawings, dreams, images and feelings. ECaP is based on “carefrontation,” a safe, loving therapeutic confrontation, which facilitates personal lifestyle changes, personal empowerment and healing of the individual’s life. The physical, spiritual and psychological benefits which followed led to his desire to make everyone aware of his or her healing potential. He realized exceptional behavior is what we are all capable of.

Bernie, and his wife and coworker Bobbie, who died in 2018, lived in a suburb of New Haven, Connecticut, USA. They have five children and eight grandchildren. Bernie and Bobbie have co-authored their children, books and articles. Their home with its many children, pets and interests resembled a cross between a family art gallery, museum, zoo and automobile repair shop. It still resembles these things, although the children are trying to improve its appearance in order to avoid embarrassment.

In 1986 his first book, Love, Medicine & Miracles was published. This event redirected his life. Bernie has written over 30 books that focus on the goal of humanizing medical education and medical care, as well as, empowering patients and teaching survival behavior to enhance immune system competency. He continues to write for humans and about pets and humans as well.

In 2004 Bernie wrote a children’s book about how difficulties can become blessings, Smudge Bunny and in 2008 Buddy’s Candle was published, a book for children of all ages, related to dealing with the loss of a loved one, be it a pet or parent.  Out in November of 2015, Love, Animals & Miracles containing heartwarming inspiring and informative stories about animals, people and life.

Woody Allen once said, “If I had one wish it would be to be somebody else.”  Bernie’s wish was to be a few inches taller. His work has been such a growth experience that he is now a few inches taller. His prediction is that in the next decade the role of consciousness, spirituality, non-local healing, body memory and heart energy will all be explored as scientific subjects.     

For many, Bernie needs no introduction. He has touched many lives all over our planet. In 1978 he began talking about patient empowerment and the choice to live fully and die in peace. As a physician who has cared for and counselled innumerable people whose mortality has been threatened by an illness, Bernie embraces a philosophy of living and dying that stands at the forefront of the medical ethics and spiritual issues our society grapples with today. He continues to assist in the breaking of new ground in the field of healing and personally struggling to live the message of kindness and love.

Dr Bernie Siegel