Bernie S. Siegel facts for kids

Bernie Siegel (born October 14, 1932) is an American writer and a retired doctor who specialized in children's surgery. He writes about how a patient's feelings and attitude can affect their healing process. He is well-known for his popular book, Love, Medicine and Miracles.

Early Life and Education

Bernie Siegel was born in Brooklyn, New York, on October 14, 1932. He went to Colgate University and earned his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College. He graduated with high honors.

He trained to become a surgeon at several hospitals, including Yale–New Haven Hospital and the UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Bernie Siegel's Career

Working as a Surgeon

Dr. Siegel worked as a general doctor and a surgeon for children until 1989. He then retired from Yale University, where he had been a professor helping to teach new doctors.

Helping Patients with Support

Exceptional Cancer Patients (ECP)

In 1978, Dr. Siegel started a non-profit group called Exceptional Cancer Patients (ECP). This group helps people with serious illnesses like cancer. ECP offers support through group talks and special exercises. These activities help patients deal with their feelings, which Dr. Siegel believes can help their bodies heal.

ECP was created to give people resources and training programs. It also held retreats to help those facing cancer and other long-term illnesses. In 1999, another organization took over the operations of ECP.

Books and Their Impact

Dr. Siegel is also a successful author. His first book, Love, Medicine and Miracles, became a huge bestseller. It stayed on The New York Times Best Seller list for over a year. Many people found the book inspiring because it talked about how caring for yourself, both emotionally and physically, can help with healing.

Another one of his books, Peace, Love and Healing, also became a bestseller in 1989. His writings often focus on the idea that a strong immune system can fight illness. He believes that growing as a person and accepting yourself can help keep your immune system strong.

Appearances in Films and Television

Dr. Siegel has appeared in several films and television shows. In 1988, he was an important part of a TV movie called Leap of Faith.

In 1992, he appeared in the film On the Bridge. This movie showed a director with cancer attending one of Dr. Siegel's weekend seminars.

He also appeared in the 2012 film "The Cure Is". In this film, he shared his ideas alongside other well-known speakers.

Personal Life

Bernie Siegel lived in Connecticut with his wife, Bobbie. She passed away in 2018. They had five adult children. Dr. Siegel has mentioned that he often reads the Bible for inspiration.

Bernie Siegel's Works

Books Written by Bernie Siegel

• 1986 – Love, Medicine & Miracles – HarperCollins Publishers, ISBN: 978-0060914066
• 1989 – Peace, Love & Healing – HarperCollins Publishers, ISBN: 978-0060917050
• 1993 – How to Live Between Office Visits – HarperCollins Publishers, ISBN: 978-0060924676
• 1999 – Prescriptions for Living – HarperCollins Publishers, ISBN: 978-0060929367
• 2003 – 365 Prescriptions For the Soul – New World Library, ISBN: 978-1577314257
• 2003 – Help Me To Heal – Hay House, ISBN: 978-1401900373
• 2004 – Smudge Bunny – Children's book – Illustrated by Laura J. Bryant – New World Library/HJ Kramer, ISBN: 978-1932073034
• 2006 – Love, Magic, and Mudpies: Raising Your Kids to Feel Loved, Be Kind, and Make a Difference – Rodale Books, ISBN: 159486554X
• 2009 – Faith, Hope and Healing: Inspiring Lessons Learned from People Living with Cancer – Wiley, ISBN: 978-0470289013
• 2009 – 101 Exercises for the Soul: Simple Practices for a Healthy Body, Mind, and Spirit – New World Library, ISBN: 978-1577318521
• 2011 – A Book Of Miracles: Inspiring True Stories of Healing, Gratitude, and Love – New World Library, ISBN: 978-1577319689
• 2013 – The Art of Healing: Uncovering Your Inner Wisdom and Potential for Self-Healing – New World Library, ISBN: 978-1608681853

Audio Recordings

• 2004 – Meditations for Peace of Mind (Prescriptions for Living) (Audiobook, CD) – Hay House, ISBN: 978-1401903978
• 2006 – Love, Magic, and Mudpies: Raising Your Kids to Feel Loved, Be Kind, and Make a Difference (Audio Edition) – Gildan Media, LLC

Films Featuring Bernie Siegel

• 1989 – An Evening With Dr. Bernie Siegel – Upstate Media Enterprises
• 1994 – Voices of the New Age – Hartley Film Foundation
• 1995 – Hope and a Prayer: How Hope, Humor and Love Can Heal – Bernie Seigel M.D. – Hay House
• 1997 – Fight for Your Life – Varied Directions/ The Hoffman Collection
• 1996 – Bernie Siegel: How to Live Between Office Visits – Mystic Fire Video
• 1998 – Love Medicine & Miracles – Mystic Fire Video
• 1999 – A Conversation with Bernie Siegel – Wisdom Television
• 2011 – What If?: the Movie – Awakening to Our Unlimited Self – James A. Sinclair documentary
• Bernie Siegel, M.D. – Inner Vision: Visualizing Super Health – Hartley Film Foundation