Back In Control Radio

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with world renowned surgeon and best-selling author, Bernie Siegel, MD. He shares stories that illustrate the importance of the doctor-patient relationship. He stresses the key role of understanding the patient’s story – their life situation, challenges, motivations and fears – to the healing process. He expresses his belief that listening to the patient ad helping them tap into their innate ability to heal is the real business of medicine. Bernie S. Siegel, MD, is a well-known proponent of integrative and holistic approaches to healing that heal not just the body but also the mind and soul.  He attended Colgate University and studied medicine at Cornell University Medical College. His surgical training took place at Yale–New Haven Hospital, West Haven Veterans Hospital, and the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. In 1978 Bernie pioneered a new approach to group and individual cancer therapy called Exceptional Cancer Patients (ECaP), which utilized patients’ drawings,

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom continues his discussion with patient advocate, global health coach and best-selling author Chris War. He explains the specific steps he took his self healing journey from surgery for stage 3 colon cancer. He was inspired to take these steps by reading about others who had taken a similar approach and achieved full recovery. He changed his diet radically to be less inflammatory, engaged in regular exercise, detoxified his home environment and embarked on a journey of self-exploration to get rid of his anger and forgive those he was angry with. He emphasizes the importance of believing you can heal and taking full responsibility for your healing, Chris Wark is a young adult cancer survivor, bestselling author, and patient advocate. Chris was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2003, at just 26 years old. After surgery, Chris made the decision to go against his doctor’s advice, opted-out of chemotherapy and chose to use nutrition and natural therapies to heal. Six years

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with patient advocate, global health coach and best-selling author Chris Wark about the story of his diagnosis of stage 3 colon cancer at 26, his surgery and his decision to take control of his healing process which led to becoming cancer free. He shares the factors that led him to take this approach versus the standard chemotherapy treatments. Ultimately, what he discovered led him to become a patient advocate. Chris Wark is a young adult cancer survivor, bestselling author, and patient advocate. Chris was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2003, at just 26 years old. After surgery, Chris made the decision to go against his doctor’s advice, opted-out of chemotherapy and chose to use nutrition and natural therapies to heal. Six years later, in 2010, Chris began sharing his story of faith, courage, and determination, and his message of hope that chronic diseases like cancer can be prevented and reversed with a radical transforma tion of diet and lifestyle. In th

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with pain psychologist Les Aria about how the body’s response to sustained threat can prevent you from being the person you really are. He explains that when we are overwhelmed, the primitive parts of the brain take over and rational thinking and behavior decline. It is only when you understand this process and develop coping skills for stress that you can reconnect to your true self and have the quality of life you desire. Les Aria, PhD is a Pain Psychologist, who has been practicing for the past 16 years with Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Inc. He served as the Lead Pain Psychologist for Kaiser Northern California to help incorporate modern pain science, mindfulness and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). Les specializes in treating psychophysiological disorders/persistent pain and medically unexplained problems. His passion for mind body interventions promote a unique style to help patients relate differently to their suffering, and thereby shifting them into

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom continues his discussion with Dr. Joshua Smyth. He explains that while unwanted repetitive thoughts (URTs) are very common, people differ in their response to them. Each person has a different level of adaptability and resilience that determines how well they can handle URTs. These repetitive patterns can drain a person’s resources and cause problems with their health or psychology. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in combination with better sleep, exercise and diet, can calm the nervous system and help patients modulate their body’s response to URTs and then eventually slow their frequency. Joshua Smyth is a Distinguished Professor of Biobehavioral Health and of Medicine at Penn State and Hershey Medical Center and serves as Associate Director of Penn State’s Social Science Research Institute (SSRI). Smyth is an internationally recognized expert on ambulatory assessment and intervention, with a focus on the interplay of stress, emotion, physiology and behavior in everyday lif

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with Dr. Joshua Smyth about the nature and mechanisms for unwanted repetitive thought (URT) patterns. These are thought patterns that persist over time and can have a negative effect on a person’s health and psychology. Dr. Smyth explains that these thoughts often have lots of very emotional associations and can be very experiential / visual. Ironically because of this, trying to suppress them consciously typically just reinforces them. They can damage our health because they trigger the body’s threat response. Joshua Smyth is a Distinguished Professor of Biobehavioral Health and of Medicine at Penn State and Hershey Medical Center and serves as Associate Director of Penn State’s Social Science Research Institute (SSRI). Smyth is an internationally recognized expert on ambulatory assessment and intervention, with a focus on the interplay of stress, emotion, physiology and behavior in everyday life.   He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, the Academy of Beha

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom continues his discussion with psychiatrist Dr. Fred Moss. He explains the process by which he helps patients reconfigure their narrative through conversation and discover their authentic voice. He stresses the importance of the physician going through this process themselves so they can connect with and help their patients. He shares his own story of healing and how he discovered the magic of being aligned with your true voice. Dr. Fred Moss is a graduate of Northwestern University Medical School and a licensed psychiatrist who has consulted patients, practitioners, medical facilities, non-profit organizations, and community groups for nearly four decades. In 2006, he began taking a new approach with his patients, working with a chosen few to assist in reclaiming their lives from the clenched fists of medication. Over time he saw that those who persisted gradually and reliably improved once they were free of the medication. Patients began to report frequent success stories

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with psychiatrist Dr. Fred Moss about the evolution of his practice. While his initial interest in psychiatry was to expand on communication as a primary healing tool, a shift in the medical paradigm in the 80’s led to physicians prescribing “magic pills” as a primary way of dealing with emotional distress. The medications, which initially seemed to briefly quell the symptoms, appeared to be exacerbating—even causing—the symptoms they were prescribed to treat. In 2006, he began to change his practice to one based on communication, connection, creativity and radical listening. He is now using these principles as a restorative, transformational coach. Dr. Fred Moss is a graduate of Northwestern University Medical School and a licensed psychiatrist who has consulted patients, practitioners, medical facilities, non-profit organizations, and community groups for nearly four decades. In 2006, he began taking a new approach with his patients, working with a chosen few to ass

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom continues his discussion with chiropractor and rehabilitation / pain specialist Dr. Tovah Goldfine. She explains that our bodies already come equipped with tremendous healing capabilities, but these can be blocked by repressed emotions. She discusses the idea that you have to get to your emotions through your thoughts. Having a purpose to heal and taking responsibility for it can lead to self-healing. But the first step is letting go of the anger and repressed emotions to clear the path to healing. She also shares the work that she and her partners are doing to educate patients about these concepts and make them aware of their own healing capacity. Dr Tovah Goldfine, like other passionate doctors in her field, was drawn to the healing profession from a whirlwind of trauma and drama in her own personal life. She has been in practice for 36 years as a Doctor of Chiropractic, Rehabilitation and Pain Solutions. She has assisted her patients with acute pain, chronic pain, autoim

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with chiropractor and rehabilitation / pain specialist Dr. Tovah Goldfine about the evolution of her practice and the mind body principles she uses to help patients discover their self-healing powers.  She explains that emotional healing can help us survive and rise above pain and disease. But the first step, she emphasizes, begins with taking responsibility for yourself and your healing. Dr Tovah Goldfine, like other passionate doctors in her field, was drawn to the healing profession from a whirlwind of trauma and drama in her own personal life. She has been in practice for 36 years as a Doctor of Chiropractic, Rehabilitation and Pain Solutions. She has assisted her patients with acute pain, chronic pain, autoimmune disease and most importantly, tools and insights they can use to take responsibility for their conditions and their ultimate health and emotional well-being. Originally from Philadelphia, she is now living and working in Israel. Dr Tovah (as her patient

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom continues his discussion with Dr. David Clarke, the President of the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association. He founded the organization in 2011 to provide education to physicians and patients about the nature, diagnosis and treatment of psychophsiologic disorders. He shares advances being made in the field and his hope to eliminate traditional medicine’s assumption that if there are no structural abnormality, there is no medical issue.  For more information, visit https://ppdassociation.org. David D. Clarke, MD is President of the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association. He is also Assistant Director at the Center for Ethics and Clinical Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology Emeritus both at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon, USA.  He teaches graduate courses on Psychophysiologic Medicine at Arizona State University and at the Cummings Graduate Institute. His book for patients, They Can’t Find Anything Wrong! He is board-certified in Gastroen

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom continues his discussion with Dr. Vania Apkarian, a world renowned neuroscientist at Northwestern University. He talks about his current research aimed at predicting the likelihood of a patient developing chronic pain following a surgery. To date, the predictive markers his research has identified have shown an accuracy of greater than 80%. He explains how neural circuits in different regions of the brain change as chronic pain develops, making clinical interventions more difficult. Techniques that help patients create new neural connections to replace these chronic pain circuits can be very effective. Vania Apkarian, MD is Professor of Neuroscience, Anesthesia, PM&R and director of Center of Translational Pain Research at Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. His research involves human brain imaging and animal mechanistic studies mainly in the topics of chronic pain and of opiate addiction in chronic pain. He has been studying brain pred

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with neuroscientist Dr. Vania Apkarian, about his groundbreaking research into how chronic pain affects brain structure and activity.  He shares his vision for understanding how measurable neural activity translates into the subjective experience of chronic pain. He discusses the changes that the brains of chronic pain patients undergo over time and the possibility of predicting which patients suffering from an acute pain incident will go on to develop chronic pain. Vania Apkarian, MD is Professor of Neuroscience, Anesthesia, PM&R and director of Center of Translational Pain Research at Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. His research involves human brain imaging and animal mechanistic studies mainly in the topics of chronic pain and of opiate addiction in chronic pain. He has been studying brain predictors of placebo response as well as brain properties involved in perception in general. His initial training was in electrical engi

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with pain psychologist Dr. Les Aria, about the physiological and psychological principles that govern your inner critic. He shares the approach he and David Hanscom use in their upcoming workshop to help you understand the function of your inner critic and how you can “befriend” it to heal your pain and transform your life. For more information and to register for the event, visit: https://www.opencenter.org/befriending-your-inner-critics/ Les Aria, PhD is a Pain Psychologist, who has been practicing for the past 16 years with Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Inc. He served as the Lead Pain Psychologist for Kaiser Northern California to help incorporate modern pain science, mindfulness and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). Les specializes in treating psychophysiological disorders/persistent pain and medically unexplained problems. His passion for mind body interventions promote a unique style to help patients relate differently to their suffering, and thereby shi

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with gastroenterologist Dr. David Clarke, a gastroenterologist who teaches graduate courses in psychophysiologic medicine at Arizona State University.  He explains the nature of psychophysiologic disorders and his approach to diagnosing them. His approach involves building a timeline of physical symptoms, exploring current and past stresses, and correlating these with signs of depression, PTSD and anxiety disorder. He explains that the most challenging aspect of treating patients with psychophysiologic disorders is dealing with suppressed emotions. For more information, visit https://ppdassociation.org. David D. Clarke, MD is President of the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association. He is also Assistant Director at the Center for Ethics and Clinical Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology Emeritus both at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon, USA.  He teaches graduate courses on Psychophysiologic Medicine at Arizona State University and at the

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom provides an overview of the primary concepts underlying the Dynamic Healing Movement. He explains that when stress the threats we encounter in our daily  llives gets too high, our natural defenses can become overwhelmed. At that point, the processes that normall protect us can become destructive. Thiscan lead to chronic pain and chronic, even life threatening, illness. When this happens, we need to take control to restore our body's natural balance. Hediscusses how dynamic healing helps you understand how your body works in response to threaat, and the techniques you can use to improve your coping skills, feel safe and tap into your innate healing capacity. For moe informaton, visit https://backincontrol.com or https://thedocjourney.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom continues his discussion with Dr. Doug Garland, clinical professor of orthopedics at the University of Southern California and author of The Tall Poppy Syndrome. He shows how the Tall Poppy Syndrome can undercut our quest for self-esteem and self-improvement within the context of the family dynamic. He also illustrates how becoming aware of it can help us be our best selves. Doug Garland, MD, is a clinical professor of orthopedics at the University of Southern California. He wa the director of spinal cord and traumatic brain injury units at a world renowned rehabilitation center for 30 years.  He published over 110 peer-reviewed scientific articles and maintained a private practice in orthopedic surgery for 37 years in southern California.  He is now retired and living on the central coast of California. He is the author of The Tall Poppy Syndrome: Modern Guide to an Ancient Metaphor.  For more information, visit: douggarland.com.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with Dr. Doug Garland, a clinical professor of orthopedics at the University of Southern California and author of The Tall Poppy Syndrome. He discusses the origins of the ancient and universal metaphor or the Tall Poppy and how it subtly shapes our attitudes and relationships, both at a personal and societal level. Doug Garland, MD, is a clinical professor of orthopedics at the University of Southern California. He wa the director of spinal cord and traumatic brain injury units at a world renowned rehabilitation center for 30 years.  He published over 110 peer-reviewed scientific articles and maintained a private practice in orthopedic surgery for 37 years in southern California.  He is now retired and living on the central coast of California. He is the author of The Tall Poppy Syndrome: Modern Guide to an Ancient Metaphor.  For more information, visit: douggarland.com.       Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom continues his discussion with Robin Shapiro, Board Chair and co-founder of HealthAdvocateX. She explains the backgrounds of health advocates and the various roles they play helping patients navigate the healthcare system.  She shares emerging trends in patient advocacy today and also talks about the need for greater patient advocacy in the area of mental health. Robin Shapiro is currently Board Chair and co-founder of HealthAdvocateX, whose mission is to help people transform from patient to active participant and partner in their care. She is a nationally recognized trailblazer in the Health Advocacy movement, having founded several companies designed to elevate the ‘patient voice’.  Her best-selling book, The Secret Language of Healthcare: How to Ask for the Care You Deserve, was published October 2019 based on her experiences working in health advocacy.  For more information, please visit: https://healthadvocatex.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with Robin Shapiro, Board Chair and co-founder of HealthAdvocateX. She discusses the evolution of her career in health advocacy and the founding of her not-for-profit health advocacy organization. She explains her approach to health advocacy and its mission to strengthen patient confidence and competence with regard to their healthcare. Robin Shapiro is currently Board Chair and co-founder of HealthAdvocateX, whose mission is to help people transform from patient to active participant and partner in their care. She is a nationally recognized trailblazer in the Health Advocacy movement, having founded several companies designed to elevate the ‘patient voice’.  Her best-selling book, The Secret Language of Healthcare: How to Ask for the Care You Deserve, was published October 2019 based on her experiences working in health advocacy.  For more information, please visit: https://healthadvocatex.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices