Bernie S. Siegel facts for kids

Bernie Siegel (born October 14, 1932) is an American writer and a retired surgeon who specialized in treating children. He is well-known for his ideas about how a patient's mind and feelings can help in the healing process. His most famous book is Love, Medicine and Miracles.

Early Life and Education

Bernie Siegel was born in Brooklyn, New York, on October 14, 1932. He earned his first degree from Colgate University. Later, he studied medicine at Cornell University Medical College. He graduated with high honors.

He received special training in surgery. This training took place at Yale–New Haven Hospital, West Haven Veteran's Hospital, and the UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Career as a Doctor and Author

Working as a Surgeon

Dr. Siegel worked as a general surgeon and a surgeon for children. He continued this work until 1989. At that time, he retired from Yale University. He was an Assistant Clinical Professor there.

Helping Patients with Support

Exceptional Cancer Patients (ECP)

In 1978, Dr. Siegel started a group called Exceptional Cancer Patients (ECP). This group helps people dealing with serious illnesses like cancer. It also helps those with AIDS and multiple sclerosis.

The ECP group uses different methods to help patients. These include group talks and individual therapy. They also use imagination exercises and dream work. Dr. Siegel believed these methods could help people deal with emotional stress. He thought this stress could affect their physical health.

The ECP group aimed to give people resources and training. It also offered special retreats. These retreats helped people facing cancer and other long-term illnesses. In 1999, another organization took over the ECP's operations.

Ideas About Healing

Dr. Siegel believes that a strong immune system can fight cancer. He also thinks that growing emotionally can keep the immune system strong. This means accepting yourself more and finding fulfillment.

He has said that if the immune system is not bothered, it can overcome cancer. He also teaches at The Graduate Institute in Bethany, Connecticut. There, he works with a program about health and healing through experience.

Popular Books and Reviews

Dr. Siegel's first book, Love, Medicine and Miracles, became very popular. It was on The New York Times Best Seller list for hardcover books. It stayed on the list for over a year. The paperback version was also a bestseller for many years.

Another one of his books, Peace, Love and Healing, also became a New York Times Best Seller. His books are known for inspiring readers. They encourage people to take care of themselves emotionally and physically.

Mind Body Spirit magazine recognized him in 2012. They placed him on their list of "The Spiritual 100."

Appearances in Films and TV

Dr. Siegel has appeared in several films and television shows.

He was an important person in the 1988 TV movie Leap of Faith. This movie was later called Question of Faith. In 1992, he appeared in the film On the Bridge. This film showed a director with cancer attending one of Dr. Siegel's seminars.

In 2012, Dr. Bernie Siegel was in a film called "The Cure Is." He appeared alongside other well-known speakers and authors.

Personal Life

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

Works

Books

• 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

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

• 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