105 - In this episode, we interview Dr. Seema Khaneja. Listen to our conversation about her journey as a pediatrician, and as an integrative, holistic practitioner—melding science, compassionate care, and spirituality. She shares heartfelt stories regarding the impact of compassionate care with her patients and their families and what led her to write her book Physician, Heal Thyself : A Doctor’s Journey From Medicine To Miracles, which is a mindful approach to healing based on teachings from A Course in Miracles. Seema has also developed Coaching for Inner Peace to help clients move through emotional and physical challenges using their inner spiritual resources.

Seema graduated from the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City and completed her residency in pediatrics at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center. During medical school and after residency, she studied various complementary healing modalities including Ayurvedic nutrition, mind-body medicine, yoga and meditation. For ten years, Seema practiced holistic medicine, caring for children and adults, with a focus on chronic physical and mental health challenges. She facilitated numerous classes in meditation, stress management and holistic medicine for medical students at the University of Rochester Medical School as well as the local lay community in Rochester, New York, where she resides. She is also a Clinical Instructor at the University of Rochester’s Department of Pediatrics.

Born in India, she spent her early childhood years there. Since her teenage years, Seema studied with spiritual teachers in the Hindu and Buddhist tradition, and is also a student of A Course in Miracles. She completed a 2-year online Mystical Mind Training through Living Church Ministries and became a Commissioned Minister in the spring of 2019.

Seema created Coaching for Inner Peace to help clients move through emotional and physical health challenges using their inner spiritual resources in a way that is deeply transformative and immensely practical. She also is the Director of Shanti Academy, an online learning portal offering courses for students seeking a pragmatic and concrete way to experience inner peace.

Seema is passionate about integrating the wisdom of world spiritual traditions with scientific research, to guide people to holistic healing. In her leisure time, she loves to take walks by the Erie Canal, create new Indian-Western vegetarian fusion recipes in her kitchen, and watch movies (Bollywood and Hollywood) with her friends and family.

For more information about Dr. Seema Khaneja and Coaching for Inner Peace, enjoy Seema’s website: coachingforinnerpeace.com.

You can also check out her book, Physician, Heal Thyself : A Doctor’s Journey from Medicine to Miracles on Amazon (which is available in paperback, eBook, as well as audiobook formats) at https://www.amazon.com/dp/173433200X.

Our Hosts
Linda and John (Jack) Mazur wrote the book, Emilee-The Story of a Girl and Her Family Hijacked by Anorexia, https://www.amazon.com/Emilee-Story-Family-Hijacked-Anorexia/dp/170092012X to honor their daughter’s wish, to raise awareness, evoke compassion, and foster change in how eating disorders are viewed and treated. They can be reached through the book website: https://emileethestoryofagirl.weebly.com or at Linda.john.mazur@gmail.com

Ellen Bennett is the director of KMB for Answers which is a non-profit foundation providing educational and financial support for mental health professionals as well as assistance for families in search of resources. For more information about Ellen Bennett and the foundation founded in memory of her daughter Katlyn, go to: www.Kmbforanswers.com

Books
Emilee: The Story of a Girl and Her Family Hijacked by Anorexia
https://www.amazon.com/Emilee-Story-Family-Hijacked-Anorexia/dp/170092012X

8 Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder
https://www.amazon.com/Keys-Recovery-Eating-Disorder-Therapeutic/dp/0393706958

Understanding Teen Eating Disorders by Chris Halton, Cathie Simpson, Dr. Mary Tantillo
https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Teen-Eating-Disorders-Haltom/dp/1138068837

Multifamily Therapy Group for Young Adults with Anorexia Nervosa, by Mary Tantillo, Jennifer Sanftner McGraw, Daniel Le Grange https://www.amazon.com/Multifamily-Therapy-Adults-Anorexia-Nervosa/dp/113862490X

Sick Enough by Jennifer L. Gaudiani
https://www.amazon.com/Sick-Enough-Jennifer-L-Gaudiani/dp/0815382456

Life Without Ed by Jenni Schaefer
https://www.amazon.com/Life-Without-Ed-Declared-Independence/dp/0071422986

Resources:
https://coachingforinnerpeace.com/
WNY Comprehensive Care Center for Eating Disorders; https://nyeatingdisorders.org/
Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness; https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/
Gaudiani Clinic; https://www.facebook.com/gaudianiclinic
Mom2Mom; https://www.facebook.com/groups/EatingDisordersMom2Mom
NEDA; https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
Emily Program; https://www.emilyprogram.com/
Ophelia’s Place; https://www.opheliasplace.org/
Monte Nido; https://www.montenido.com/