"The best use of a physician's knowledge is to teach patients how to heal themselves."
~ Dr. David Simon
DAVID SIMON, M.D.
CEO, Medical Director, and Co-founder of the Chopra Center
David Simon is a world-renowned authority in the field of mind-body medicine. As a practicing physician, innovative researcher, and insightful teacher, David continues to expand his vision for an effective and compassionate healthcare system. More than three decades ago as an anthropology student exploring humanity’s earliest communities and cultures, he was drawn to the understanding that the role of the doctor was much more than a disease technician; a true healer had to be a diagnostician, medicine man, psychotherapist, and priest ― an expert navigator of the mind and spirit as well as the physical body.
Integrating ancient wisdom healing traditions with modern scientific principles, David has forged a model of health that integrates the multiple dimensions of a human being ― environmental, physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual. As a board-certified neurologist and expert in ayurvedic medicine and other traditional healing arts, he brings a unique perspective to the relationship between mind, emotions, and health.
Development of the Chopra Center In 1996 David co-founded and assumed the role of medical director of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing, where he continues to serve as the driving force in developing and leading the Center's flagship programs and seminars in mind-body medicine, emotional healing, and spirituality.
Recognized as a leading authority in the effective and appropriate use of mind-body medicine practices, his endeavors have resulted in the training of thousands of physicians, nurses, and health care providers. One of the first recipients of a National Institutes of Health grant to study mind-body medical approaches to improving health care, David continues to bring integrated mind-body medical programs to medical institutions, health centers, educational institutions, and health resorts throughout the world.
Best-Selling Books on Mind-Body Medicine Dr. Simon is the author of many wellness books, including his newest Amazon best-seller, Free to Love, Free to Heal: Heal Your Body by Healing Your Emotions. His other popular books include Return to Wholeness: Embracing Body, Mind, and Spirit in the Face of Cancer; The Wisdom of Healing; Vital EnergyThe Ten Commitments: Translating Good Intentions into Great Choices. He has co-authored numerous other books with visionary Deepak Chopra, including The Chopra Center Herbal Handbook; Grow Younger, Live Longer; The Chopra Center Cookbook; Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives: a Holistic Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth; and The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga.
David's books Vital Energy; The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga; and Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives each received a Nautilus Book Award. The Ten Commitments was the winner of the 2006 Foreword Award.
Education and Medical Experience Dr. Simon received his medical degree from the University of Chicago's medical school. He then completed several residencies at the University of San Diego and the University of Colorado. He began his influential career in private practice in neurology, and then served as chief of staff and medical director of the Neurological Rehabilitation Center and Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratory at Sharp Cabrillo Hospital. Sharp Cabrillo is an affiliate of Sharp Healthcare, the largest health care organization in Southern California. Dr. Simon is a Voluntary Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Neurosciences at the University of California, and he supervises medical students completing training rotations through the Chopra Center for Wellbeing.
