Ep 53: Love Is the Strongest Medicine with Dr. Steven Eisenberg
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Love Is the Strongest Medicine
Episode 53: Show Notes.
You might think that music and medicine are two totally separate worlds that cannot be brought together. However, today’s guest, Dr. Steven Eisenberg, not only brings his musical gifts to his patients, but he has also healed himself through connecting to his creative energy. Steven specializes in oncology and hematology and works with patients at all stages of their cancer.
In today’s episode, we hear Steven’s incredible backstory, his lifelong passion for music, and the role his father played in showing him it was possible to practice medicine and have a creative outlet at the same time.
Steven talks about the internal friction he faced when he felt like he had to decide between music and medicine and how he lost his way when he went into private practice and subsequently became gravely ill. He shares the turning point he reached when he realized how poorly he was caring for himself, despite caring so deeply for others.
When he brought music into his practice, his heart expanded, and he was able to feel the light that had been dimmed for years pouring in again. Steven also shares some touching stories from his book, Love is the Strongest Medicine.
As someone who is an outstanding example of combining passion with purpose, Dr. Steven Eisenberg’s story is well worth hearing.
Key Points From This Episode:
Get to know Steven, his obsession with his cassette recorder when he was younger, and his experience of being bullied.
Steven’s relationship with music and how his father incorporated music and medicine into his life.
The fork in the road Steven faced before he went to med school.
What the energy in Steven’s house was like; it was a mixed bag.
The horrible bike accident that changed Steven’s life.
The kind and loving doctor that performed face surgery on Stephen after his accident.
What inspired Steven to become a doctor, and his discovery of mind-body medicine.
How Steven kept his creative light burning during medical school.
The first acoustic guitar Steven bought that he couldn’t afford, which he still uses today.
A moving story of how Steven brought music into the hospital and what he realized when he did this.
The stress of working in private practice and the toll it took on Steven.
What happened when a patient called Steven out on the condition of his own health.
Details about the essay contest Steven won and the life it breathed into him.
There is always the possibility to heal your life; that’s what Steven wants his patients to know.
Steven’s process of writing songs for his patients.
Every doctor has an opportunity to share creativity with their patients and connect with them.
The story of a patient who Steven worked with and the angel statue she gave him.
Steven's dad’s decision to end his career as a physician at a prison.
What someone should do if they have a cancer diagnosis.
The value of drawing on both Eastern and Western medicine to ensure holistic healing.
There is such a big role for compassion to play both in medicine and the world generally.
Tweetables:
“Music for me was soothing. It was a way of connecting to my father who was very busy, very busy as a family practice doctor. We bonded through music and sports.” — @drseisenberg [0:10:45]
“Don't die with your music still in you. Don't die with regrets. You have to take chances in life. These were the things that shaped my young teenage years. It was like, I became almost a daredevil in a way.” — @drseisenberg [0:25:58]
“I was a mess. I had a long way to go from mess to success. I had no clue what was happening to me. Until that fateful day in the hospital, when a patient called me out on my own bullshit.” — @drseisenberg [0:50:59]
“You can still heal your life, even if you cannot cure the cancer. You can heal relationships. You can heal the trauma. You haven't talked to your sister in 20 years. You can heal those things and you can die with beauty and dignity. As I say, with light and love in your heart. If I bring that to somebody, that's the most beautiful thing you can do as an oncologist as well.” — @drseisenberg [1:03:04]
“Any type of shared creative act, I feel, will bring the connection to the forefront, the empathy to the forefront, and the symptoms of burnout will slowly dissipate. It's the opposite of what they tell you. Build a wall between you and the patient. Keep yourself separate from your patients emotionally.” — @drseisenberg [1:11:11]
“Get the computer out of the room. Look at your patient in the eye. Observe their body language. Speak from love and empathize. That's the key. That's got to be the future. That's got to be the future. You can combine tech, big tech and big heart. That's a combination that's going to win.” — @drseisenberg [1:23:24]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Dr. Steven Eisenberg on Twitter
Love Is the Strongest Medicine