Dr. Steven Hodes Offers Metaphysical Prescriptions for Better Health. A Traditional Doc Becomes the Meta-Physician on Call. Interview By Laurie Sue Brockway

Many of us wish we have a doctor like Steven E. Hodes M.D.

“Dr. Steve” is a traditionally trained physician with a metaphysical point of view. His approach to well-being encompasses both the scientific and spiritual causes for pain, illness, and disease. He helps us bridge the gap between traditional medicine and holistic healing and shines a light on ways non-medical issues -- such as stress and emotional blockages -- contribute to illness. Although he has a great regard and love for traditional medicine, he believes strongly in the connection between body, mind, and spirit. Dr. Steve has devoted himself to teaching, lecturing, writing, and sharing his wisdom on this topic.

In his new book, Meta-Physician on Call for Better Health: Metaphysics and Medicine for Mind, Body, and Spirit (Praeger Publishers, November 2007), he explores the connection between spirituality and medicine and offers many ways metaphysics can help facilitate healing. He also offers a free lecture and dialog series in Manhattan, “Tuesdays with Dr. Steve,” in which he offers metaphysical prescriptions for better health (for more information, visit www.meta-md.com)

Unfortunately traditional medicine has become a victim of its own success. As medical science proved its effectiveness in treating the human body, the mental and spiritual aspects of healing fell by the wayside. It is time to re-incorporate them into the picture in order to truly achieve healing.
- Steven E. Hodes, MD

Dr. Steve brings warmth, compassion and the wisdom of almost 30 years in private practice to his work as a Meta-Physician. He received his medical degree from The Albert Einstein College of Medicine and also has a degree in Religious Studies from Franklin and Marshall College.

How do you define metaphysics?

Metaphysics is by definition the branch of philosophy which endeavors to explore the nature of reality. It traces its origins to the works of Aristotle but I believe it has tremendously important practical applications as well. All human beings, I believe, possess an innate desire to make sense of their own lives and the world around them. We are all seeking metaphysical answers to the great questions of existence. Life does make philosophers of us all.

How does metaphysics relate to traditional medicine and science? Are they very different from one another or complementary?

Some would argue that metaphysics is distinctly separate from medicine and science. I strongly disagree. To me, science and medicine are tools which can shed light on the nature of reality. I would also include art in this mix as well. It is essential to understand that our very nature includes body/mind and spirit. How else can we approach ‘healing’—which means ‘to make whole’?