The Switch from Complementary to Integrative Medicine (November 9, 2004)
Speaking of Faith is absolutely timely recognizing the shift from "complementary" to "integrative." I am the program director for the Ohio State University Center for Integrative Medicine. We have used that domains established for CAM by the National Institutes of Health and elaborated them to be integrative domains versus CAM domains. The goal, at OSU, is to offer a comprehensive spectrum of possibilities to patients in a team-based and collaborative fashion. Many universities are working diligently to provide the services that the public is requesting. The challenge is to do so responsibly, within the western medical model and with respect to the disciplines we are seeking to integrate into mainstream health care. Thank you for providing this program!

Melinda Cooksey
Columbus, OH (WOSU, 820 AM)

Other Ideas for Hope (November 11, 2004)
I just loved your interview with the heart surgeon on integrative medicine. My brother-in-law was just diagnosed with Mesothelioma (devastating cancer caused by exposure to asbestos). We are going to take some of the ideas proposed by the doctor to give him some hope. Thank you for the program. I was inspired by his dedication.

Marsha Thomas
Cumming, GA (WABE, 90.1 FM)

An RN's Outlook (November 13, 2004)
As an RN of over 33 years, and much of which was spent in coronary ICU, I congratulate you for your fine show on Integrative Medicine. Dr. Oz has given me a new perspective of what Integrative Medicine really is: global medicine. It is SO refreshing to hear NPR broadcast with a positive view of what mainstream American medicine ignores, and few Americans know about.

Bobbie Ammons
Nantahala, NC (WCQS, 88.1 FM)

Quality of Show (November 13, 2004)
Speaking of Faith is absolutely timely recognizing the shift from "complementary" to "integrative." I am the program director for the Ohio State University Center for Integrative Medicine. We have used that domains established for CAM by the National Institutes of Health and elaborated them to be integrative domains versus CAM domains. The goal, at OSU, is to offer a comprehensive spectrum of possibilities to patients in a team-based and collaborative fashion. Many universities are working diligently to provide the services that the public is requesting. The challenge is to do so responsibly, within the western medical model and with respect to the disciplines we are seeking to integrate into mainstream health care. Thank you for providing this program!

Richard Binggeli
Los Angeles, CA (KPCC, 89.3 FM)

Spirituality — Beyond our Understanding (November 9, 2004)
First, Speaking of Faith is one of the most refreshing and important programs on radio. I stumbled upon it a few weeks ago while jogging. Unfortunately, it is aired at an hour (6:00 AM) when most remain asleep on Sunday morning. I have been a hospital chaplain for 30 years and have witnessed the truth of the writer's comments concerning a "god" [small 'g', as the writer has used] who would answer some prayers while seemingly leaving others unanswered. And, I have been blessed to witness the truth that would explain the three-year-old's re-energizing life through a little brother's singing "You Are My Sunshine."

I certainly have found pain in the former and joy in the latter. If I had to choose, guess my choice. Not simply because it warms my heart and gives me tomorrow's hope, but because I have learned another truth. Some events or patterns of living happen without scientific explanation. That's why I particularly appreciated the importance of Dr. Oz's words and practice.

David Latham
Henderson, KY (WNIN, 88.3 FM)

Chronic Illness Can Lead to Greater Appreciation of Life (November 8, 2004)
I was glad to hear the interview with Dr. Oz. It amazed me at times and I was glad to hear that someone in the medical profession could think outside the box. It confirmed some of the lessons I have learned over a decade of dealing with the chronic disease of M.S. Once I accepted and understood how I wanted and could deal with the illness, I found great joy in listening to others and if called upon to share what little I know with them. It is very powerful to confidently explain to anyone with the desire to learn and perhaps change what can be done.

C. Rubenstein
Chicago, IL (WBEZ, 91.5 FM)

A Cautious Approach (November 7, 2004)
Interesting program. Dr. Oz discussed his experiences in using complementary medicine to further heal his heart disease patients. No question, modern allopathic medicine often fails to address the emotional and spiritual needs of those who suffer from infirmity. His interest in these forms of therapy is certainly not unique, and it joins a larger dialogue about the efficacy and appropriate usage of these practices. People who are ill deserve to have their whole health treated.

I am a surgeon myself. I am just a few years older than Dr. Oz, and active in volunteer clinics. Although testimonial is the lowest form of proof for any treatment, I want to offer my own observation. I can say from personal experience with my own patients that alternative medicine can on occasion be helpful, it also can be detrimental to the patient. This may be in terms of the economic cost—which can be staggering—and also the cost of false hope which is not fulfilled, which can be even more devastating.

As a medical scientist, Dr. Oz should be very careful to utilize methodologies that clearly establish the safety and effectiveness of the treatment methods that he is exploring. As physicians and as a society, we need to protect our infirm, often desperate patients and families from exploitation. We need to weigh the costs, both economic and spiritual, and the real benefits of any treatment. In an era of limited resources, we need to identify the treatments that really work to heal suffering, and weed out the ineffective pretenders.

Daniel Kim
Fort Lauderdale, FL (WLRN, 91.3 FM)

Healing Approaches (November 7, 2004)
I am myself a chiropractic physician who has practiced holistic healing techniques over the past five years and am now practicing a fascinating healing approach relying solely on therapeutic intent. It is refreshing to hear an interview with a classically trained medical physician who is not closed-minded about non-allopathic solutions to health matters.

Jerald Duggar
Bountiful, UT (KUER, 90.1 FM)

Integrative Medicine for Homebound People (November 11, 2004)
Thank you for hosting such an inspiring program. I have been involved in the area of aging and palliative care for many years, and deeply appreciate the holistic approach with which Dr. Oz relates to his patients. He shares his humanity with those he serves, while addressing the body/mind/spirit dimensions that impact healing. I have a vision for establishing a model, non-profit program that would bring integrative medicine to frail and homebound people in the Metro Atlanta area. If you are aware of people and/or resources that could be helpful in bringing this vision to life, please forward this information to me—people such as Dr. Oz. Listening to your program gave me hope that the consciousness of the medical community is at last shifting.

Janis Kleinberger
Atlanta, GA (WABE, 90.1 FM)

Efficacy of Prayer (November 10, 2004)
The efficacy of prayer has been so thoroughly debunked, I can't imagine that you would give it any medical credibility and not better challenge any guest who purports to have evidence that there is anything at all credible regarding the alleged efficacy of prayer.

Carol Smith
Mequon, WI (WUWM, 89.7 FM)

Mindfulness (November 8, 2004)
God knows our mind. Prayer is not for God's attention. We tend to live non-mindful lives. Prayer is the very particular practice religion uses to get us to pay attention to what we truly need to pay attention to. In this vein, prayer and hypnosis are nearly identical. Mindful control bring all the powers of mind as well as the normal powers of our natural body to the task of healing.

Peter Hyatt
Hendersonville, NC (WCQS, 88.1 FM)

Testimonial to the Power of Prayer and Healing (November 7, 2004)
Listening to your program was very interesting. I have also watched a TV program on one of the University channels. I have been diagnosed with coronary arterial disease for three years now. Dr. Syed Subzposh, my invasive cardiologist, Dr Arshad Qayumi of Emory University, and my brother, Dr Mohammad Ishaq Arastu of St. Lukes Hospital in Bethlehem, PA, conferenced and decided that they would not recommend opening up my 98% blocked LAD surgically. They all thought that the timing of the surgery was very important.

Later, a friend, Gul Asnani, gave me a copy of Reversing Heart Disease by Dr. Dean Ornish. Since that time I have dropped my weight from 207 lbs to 175 lbs on a 5' 7" height and 56 years of age. I practice reciting the Names of Allah after most of my daily Isha prayers. Today with the medication prescribed by Dr. Subzposh and my prayers and daily half hour walk to and from my work in San Francisco, I find myself healthier and more positive than ever. Dr. Oz, you are my kind of doctor and I can testify to important work that you are doing. There is surely power to heal in the Names of The Divine. Thank you.

Alamdar Arastu
San Francisco, CA (Listens via Web Audio)

Efficacy or Prayer (November 7, 2004)
There has never been any double-blind study of prayer that has shown a statistically significant benefit to the patient. Dr. Oz should just say so, instead of using deceptive terms such as "intriguing" to describe results. But let us assume such a study did exist. What would it say about the "god" listening to the prayer? For if there is anything more reprehensible than a god that answers NO prayers, it would be a god that answers SOME prayers. (SOME or NONE are the only options because obviously not ALL prayers are answered).

By way of example, if two identical patients are laying in beds next to each other and one is being prayed for and the other not, god is going to help heal the one receiving the prayer and not the other? How callous! If this is the spirituality Dr. Oz believes in, he should keep it to himself. Because if his patients find out that such a cruel god waits to judge them, they may give up the ghost in fear. I'd rather visit a doctor that spends his/her time studying the science of medicine.

Anthony DePalma
New York, NY (WNYC, 820 AM)

Integrated Medicine (November 8, 2004)
I was only able to hear the first half of the program on Integrative Medicine. There are clearly cases where prayer has not resulted in the healing of the patient (at least in a physical sense), and I am wondering if that was discussed at all in the rest of the program. How does the doctor interpret such results to the patient, since it could seem to suggest a "failure of faith" on the part of the patient or those praying for him/her.

You continue to do an outstanding job of selecting and presenting program content that is pertinent and insightful. Krista Tippett is a very good interviewer and well credentialed for this work. I frequently recommend it to the adult church school class which I teach.

William Belli
Norristown, PA (WHYY, 91.0 FM)

Dr. Mehmet Oz & Story in Woman's Day (November 8, 2004)
I thought this past Sunday's program with Dr. Mehmet Oz was outstanding. It's so great to hear of a physician who sees the value of prayer.

Also I heard a story that apparently appeared in Woman's Day magazine two or three years ago. It was about a three-year-old boy who would sing to his sister before she was born. When the baby was born, there were problems and she was put into Intensive Care. It was predicted she would die. The little boy had never seen his sister and begged to go to sing to her. The mother said they didn't allow children in Intensive Care. He continued to beg so finally, she brought him to the hospital. The nurse said no children were allowed. The mother insisted that he should sing to his sister before she died. The boy went to the crib and started singing, "You Are My Sunshine." Almost immediately, the baby's pulse slowed, her breathing became regular. The next day she was well enough to be sent home. This really touched me.

Linda Erdberg
Falls Church, VA (WETA, 90.9 FM)

Your Fantastic Program (November 11, 2004)
I thought this past Sunday's program with Dr. Mehmet Oz was outstanding. It's so great to hear of a physician who sees the value of prayer.

Just discovered your program "by accident" (nothing happens by accident) for the first time yesterday. Your interview was with Dr. Oz. I was so impressed to hear your approach on radio that I went to your Web site. It's great! And thanks for offering the opportunity to listen to past programs. I will spend hours with you on the computer and listen to the radio as often as possible. You and your staff have organized real stuff for people to ponder. As you all know more and more people are opening up to spiritual thinking and quality coverage like yours will push that door open wider. Thank you all.

Robert Olivero
Racine, WI (WUWM, 89.7 FM)

Life (November 7, 2004)
I was so impressed by the insights and humbleness of Dr. Mehmet Oz. He had been gifted with brilliance, and I admire his ongoing search for answers. Please let him know that there are many of us out there constantly searching. And thank him for sharing his wisdom.

I grew up in the days when doctors thought themselves god-like, and they often felt threatened by any sincere questioning beyond their own pronouncements. Thank you for bringing him to my attention. The interview was excellent and allowed him to share with us his own development. Thank you.

Fleur Jones
Chatham, MA (WCAI, 90.1 FM)

Healing from the Heart (November 7, 2004)
Dr. Mehmet epitomizes the type of physician we long for today, but aren't always able to find. I enjoyed the interview, and even though I had homework to do, I listened to the entire program. The program spoke to me as a nurse, Catholic, nurse educator, and health consumer. Thank you.

Gloria Cox
Long Beach, CA (KPCC, 89.3 FM)

The Spirituality of Movement (November 7, 2004)
That was a wonderful interview! I have always danced as a child and still do now in my adult life. Movement is my calling and I struggle with the tendency for our culture to want turn art into an aesthetic commodity and experience it from a distance rather than merge with it and benefit from its spiritual, reflective, and healing power. Somehow listening to your show I was reminded of my true intentions and the medicine of dance. Thank you.

Rachel Blum
Brooklyn, NY (WNYC, 820 AM)

Bravo for Dr. Oz (November 7, 2004)
The interview of Dr. Mehmet Oz was a breath of fresh air. Never thought I would be elated as I did. It was good that it happened early in the morning. The questions and the answers were great. Thank you.

Ab Faisal
Ames, IA (WOI, 640 AM)

Good Timing (November 7, 2004)
For several days I have been trying to remember the name of the physician who worked with a healer in the operating room during heart transplants. Today you profiled Dr. Oz. Thank you for your timing!

Justine Robbins
Tucson, AZ (Listens via Web Audio)

Bravo for Dr. Oz (November 7, 2004)
Bravo for Krista and Dr. Oz. I'm listening right now. It is so articulate and insightful. Thanks.

Thomas Witten
Chicago, IL (WBEZ, 91.5 FM)

Thanks (November 7, 2004)
Thanks so much for this program. I appreciate Dr. Oz's insights and promotion of integrative medicine or the "global medicine."

June Lundy
Chandler, AZ (Listens via Web Audio)