David Servan-Schreiber

David Servan-Schreiber

David Servan-Schreiber (April 21, 1961 – July 24, 2011) was a French physician, neuroscientist, and author. He is best known for his bestselling book "Anticancer: A New Way of Life," in which he discussed the role of lifestyle and dietary choices in cancer prevention and treatment. Servan-Schreiber was a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and also co-founded the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Early Life and Education

David Servan-Schreiber was born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. He was the son of Jean-Jacques Servan-Schreiber, a prominent French journalist and politician, and Sabine de Fouquières. He pursued his medical studies in France before moving to the United States to further his education. Servan-Schreiber earned his medical degree and completed his doctoral thesis in neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Career

Throughout his career, Servan-Schreiber focused on the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and medicine. His research included pioneering work in the field of neurofeedback and cognitive therapy. He was instrumental in introducing and promoting the concept of integrative medicine in France and the United States, which seeks to combine traditional Western medical practices with alternative therapies for a holistic approach to patient care.

In 1992, Servan-Schreiber co-founded the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, one of the first of its kind in the United States. He also served as a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Anticancer: A New Way of Life

David Servan-Schreiber's most influential work, "Anticancer: A New Way of Life," was published after his own diagnosis with brain cancer. In the book, he shared his journey of discovering how certain lifestyle changes—such as diet, exercise, and stress management—can significantly impact cancer prevention and treatment. The book became a bestseller and has been translated into numerous languages, helping to spread his message of the power of integrative approaches to health and well-being.

Personal Life and Death

Servan-Schreiber was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in 1992 while he was conducting his own research. He underwent traditional cancer treatment but also explored alternative therapies, which he credited with helping to extend his life beyond the initial prognosis. He became an advocate for combining conventional and alternative medicine for cancer treatment. David Servan-Schreiber passed away on July 24, 2011, after living with cancer for nearly 20 years.

Legacy

David Servan-Schreiber's work has had a lasting impact on the fields of integrative medicine and cancer care. His advocacy for a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle and dietary choices alongside conventional medical treatments, continues to influence patients and healthcare professionals around the world.