Doctor to the Dalai Lama has come to help

The personal physician to the 14th Dalai Lama, Dr. Barry Kerzin, is an American-born Buddhist monk who is in Pittsburgh this week with a message of compassion.

“I would add that it is selfcompassion because if we are not feeling good about ourselves and we are not feeling secure and safe and happy and free of anxiety and fear then it is very hard to go out and practice compassion to others,” he said during an interview Friday at the Omni William Penn, Downtown.

“We can still do it, but we are not as effective,” he added. The idea is to become more whole, healthy, safe, secure and joyful in order to help others.

UPMC brought him in to share his knowledge with its health care professionals of dealing with what can be emotionally draining work. Dr. Kerzin is the founder and president of the Altruism in Medicine Institute and is the author of the new book “No Fear, No Death: The Transformative Power of Compassion.” He will appear at a book signing at Barnes & Noble at the Waterfront in Homestead at 10:15 a.m. Saturday.

His work with doctors, nurses, first responders, teachers and anyone who is dealing with people in trauma is aimed at preventing burnout and addressing accumulated stress in a healthful manner.

“One of the many reasons we invited him to Pittsburgh again is because we think it is important for our health care providers to be able to understand the difference between empathy and compassion, to learn how to cope with people’s pain as well as life’s stresses in this complicated world,” said Gina Pferdehirt, public relations director, UPMC Health Plan. “Many of the skills are transferable to the business community as well.”

During this visit, Dr. Kerzin will be conducting a workshop with Bill Strickland at Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild in Manchester on Friday and