Lessons of Disability (May 8, 2008)
I am a physical therapist, yoga teacher, and mother of two boys. My older boy is 14 and autistic. Your program on Morgan's family was so profound. It was as if the words were coming out of my mouth eloquently, my life experiences with Ethan were distilled into a story with mostly happy endings and coming to terms, and the pain that is everyday was washed away with the familiarity that other families also know personally the precious lessons of disability. Please pass my words and thanks on to Paul and Jennifer.

Laura Dyson
Fort Worth, TX (KWBU 103.3 FM)

Healing from the Heart (September 2, 2007)
It is inspiring to know that such accomplished allopathic medicine doctors appreciate alternative methods of healing as indicated by Dr. Oz. The physical Universe is a very large place, and the non-physical or perhaps Spiritual Universe is infinite. For years, I have provided assistance to myself and others in their healing journeys through guided meditation, and manipulation of life force energy. Thank you for bringing this programming to the world.

Thomas Genung
Oakland Park, FL (WLRN 91.3 FM)

A Table for All Professionals (June 25, 2006)
I listen to Speaking of Faith regularly and always find the program thought-provoking and a rewarding way to spend an hour on Sunday morning. The many interviewees have brought my wife and me hours of discussion prompting ideas and we love it.

I earned a master's degree in clinical social work from Saint Louis University. My wife has a master's degree in nursing from University of Arizona and ten years as a research nurse in oncology before making a career change and earning a master's degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis.

I wanted to make one comment regarding the good doctor's discovery of the connection between the human body and the human mind and spirit. It is generally encouraging to see members of the medical community making these connections and more importantly integrating these ideas into medical practice. I have long thought this is the future of medicine.

That said, I do find it a bit distressing that the medical community has, for so long, avoided ideas such as human spirit and its importance in the healing process. While I acknowledge things are changing, nurses are still referred to as just a nurse by doctors and social workers are not involved in the process until the doctor has waited until the problem is so bad they have no choice but to throw up their hands and say, to hell with it, call the social worker.

I do not mean for this letter to be critical to medicine. I do see these as systemic problems and I invite the medical community at large to think in terms of collaboration. Ideas such as mind-body connection and the importance of spirit in healing are ideas the professions of nursing and social work have based professional theory on for many decades. Further, Eastern thought and theology have known and practiced these things for thousands of years. Why are we, in the West, waiting for doctors to say this important process in healing is okay before we are willing to say let's do what works?

I feel safe inviting doctors everywhere to think in terms of collaboration and involve nurses, social workers, and clergy in the healing process from the beginning. Please do not wait until medicine has failed to throw up your hands. We stand ready to put ideas such as spirit, mind-body connection, and Western medicine into action together for the good of those we help. Please allow nurses, social workers, and clergy to guide you in these things and do not be afraid of any one encroaching on your practice.

Jon Hudson
St. Louis, MO (KWMU, 91.7 FM)

Spirituality in Health Care (June 24, 2006)
This morning I was happy to hear the interview with Mehmet Oz, exploring spirituality in medicine. I wanted to encourage you to also consider exploring the contemporary pioneers of postmodern and neomodern nursing. One significant nursing leader comes to mind, Jean Watson. Since 1979, when her text Nursing: The Philosophy and Science of Caring was first published she has promoted a reconciliation of the empirical and metaphysical ways of knowing and being, particularly with the nursing profession, but also for all human caring professions.

Kevin Gulliver
Chicago, IL (WBEZ, 91.5 FM)

Integrative Dentistry (June 24, 2006)
I heard your show with Dr. Oz this morning; I could hear that you have a keen interest in the issues of healing and how they relate to the Spirit. I have been a serious student of this path for over 20 years and have come at it from a perspective that you have likely not heard before.

I am a practicing dentist (my practice is The Center for Integrative Dentistry), and I have written and lectured about alternative and complementary practices as they apply to my discipline for over a decade. Additionally I have written two books that are not specific to dentistry: Doctor, Be Well: Integrating the Spirit of Healing with Scientific Medicine (AuthorHouse, 2003) and The Charm Carver (Integrative Arts Press, 2005).

The first book is being used as a course text in the Program in Integrative Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. It is a non-fiction, explanatory text designed to bridge the gaps between conventional medicine and the alternative and complementary health care worlds. I wrote The Charm Carver, an allegorical, lyrical tale in order to convey in metaphor, rhythm, and story truths about healing that cannot be put into the form of a straight explanation without losing the essence of these truths. I have found that it is a fundamental characteristic of healing that it is as much about "how one is" as it is about "what one does" and while explanations, recipes, etc. are fine for the latter, they are clumsy, if not downright counterproductive when trying to convey the former.

David Shuch
Augusta, NJ (WNYC, 93.9 FM)

Sacrificing One's Life for a Greater Cause Near the End (June 24, 2006)
I want to share with Dr. Oz and you some thoughts about "purpose" in life, especially at the end of life. I am responding to the account of the 88-year-old man who said he had nothing left to live for. I (64 years) am far from that stage, but I often ponder the question of what I might do when I have had "enough." As Dr. Oz suggested, we have learned to keep the very old alive sometimes way past the point where they have any sense of "purpose" or even joy, and it must be agonizing for them to just keep on keeping on!

I am inspired by the idea of risking my life at that point for some cause. This idea is well expressed by Robert Novick, professor of Philosophy at Harvard and author of The Examined Life. "After an ample life, a person who still possesses energy, acuity, and decisiveness might choose to seriously risk his life or lay it down for another person, or for some noble and decent cause. Not that this should be done lightly or too soon, but some time before the natural end … a person might direct his or her mind and energy towards helping others in a more dramatic and risky fashion than younger, more prudent folk would venture. These activities might involve great health risks in order to serve the sick, risks of physical harm in interposing oneself between oppressors and their victims—I have in mind the kinds of peaceful activities and non-violent resistance that Gandhi and ML King engaged in, not a vigilante pursuit of wrongdoers—or in aiding people within violence-ridden areas. Utilizing the freedom of action that is gained by the willingness to run serious risks, people's ingenuity will devise new modes and patterns of effective action which others can emulate, individually or jointly. Such a path will not be for everyone, but some might seriously weigh spending their penultimate years in a brave and noble endeavor to benefit others, an adventure to advance the cause of truth, goodness, beauty of holiness—not going gentle into that good night or raging against the dying of the light, but near the end, shining their light more brightly."

I think there is need for new and daring institutions to begin to devise some of those "new modes and patterns of action," because I feel/fear that as the world ages, there will be multitudes who will long to know how to take such action. Wonderful program!

Charlotte Thorp
Brooklyn, NY (WNYC, 93.9 FM)

Native Healer and Doctor (June 23, 2006)
I look forward to hearing the program about alternative doctor Mehmet Oz. I also suggest that a great person to interview would be Lewis Mehl-Madrona, both an accomplished Western M.D. and Native American healer, author of books including Coyote Medicine and Coyote Healing. He has much to say about the role of spirituality in healing, and coming back into balance with spirit, nature, and in relationships as a prerequisite to healing. He believes in the power of story to heal and give voice to our journeys. Thanks.

Phyllis Stern
New York, NY (WNYC, 93.9 FM)

Recommendation (June 23, 2006)
Dr. Majid Ali from Denville, New Jersey has been a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine. He started a post-doctoral program for MDs so that they could learn the best from the East and the West. I not only recommend him spiritually but personally because he is my special doctor who has helped me medically and nutritionally.

Bruce Segall
Waldwick, NH (WNYC, 93.9 FM)

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)