53: How Dr. Steven Eisenberg, the Singing Oncologist, Discovered that Love is the Strongest Medicine

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. 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. 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.