Bernie S. Siegel, M.D., who prefers to be called Bernie, practiced general and pediatric surgery in New Haven, Connecticut, until he retired in 1989. In 1978, he began talking about patient empowerment and the choice to live fully and die in peace. He founded ECaP (Exceptional Cancer Patients) based on "carefrontation," a loving, safe, therapeutic confrontation that facilitates personal change, empowerment and healing. The resulting physical, spiritual and psychological benefits led Bernie's desire to make everyone aware of his or her healing potential.

As a physician who has cared for and counseled innumerable patients, Bernie embraces a philosophy that is at the forefront of a society grappling with medical ethics and spiritual issues. His books, Love, Medicine and Miracles published in 1986, Peace, Love and Healing in 1998, have broken new ground in the field of healing. Bernie's efforts have now turned toward humanizing medical care and medical education, and he continues to travel extensively with his wife, Bobbie, to speak and run workshops, sharing his techniques and experiences. Bernie and Bobbie have five children and five grandchildren (so far).