I am a physician, a board certified hematologist.

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After earning my medical degree I went on to complete 3 years of residency in internal medicine and 4 years of fellowship training in hematology/oncology. I have practiced medicine for more than 30 years and work in a large academic medical center. In addition to seeing patients, I do research and have conducted and participated in innumerable clinical trials.

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My focus is on blood cancers, particularly multiple myeloma and bone marrow transplant. I have witnessed incredible advances in my field. Blood cancers see new treatments approved every year and have greatly improved the average length of survival.

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Given this, why did I become interested in complementary approaches to health care? I have always had a yearning to care for the whole person, to promote well-being in all aspects of life.

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Although patients are living longer and better with modern advances in therapy, they are still plagued with fear, anxiety and pain. Modern medicine needs a broader view: care directed at body, mind and spirit. I have always believed in learning from my patients and, in this aspect, I have had no better teachers.

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Shamanism provided a bridge.

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A patient undergoing a bone marrow transplant first introduced me to shamanism. I was fascinated and began studying it. Over the past 7 years I have trained in person with with Foundation for Shamanic Studies, the Four Winds Society, Hank Wesselman, and LightSong School of 21st Century Shamanism and Energy Medicine and online with Sandra Ingerman and many others.

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Reiki called to me.

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Many of the teachers and friends I met practiced reiki as well as shamanism. I pursued training in reiki thinking it would help my shamanic skills, but have been enthralled by reiki in its own right. I trained in Usui/Holy Fire III Reiki with Colleen Benelli and Jill Thiel of the International Center for Reiki Training. I love the beauty, grace, power and simplicity of reiki. Although I was initially attracted to these modalities for healing purposes, both disciplines offer the opportunity for self development and personal growth.

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I help medical professionals who are open to integrative medicines to understand and apply energy systems and learn their potential to heal themselves and others.

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My journey on this path has expanded my understanding of self, my relationship with nature, and my purpose for walking this earth. Wellness awaits those who embark on this path.