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Instructor Profiles Lisa Kaufmann, MD, Program Director
Looking back at her undergraduate years at Duke University, Lisa Kaufmann, MD, compares herself to Woody Allen. "We were both totally stressed out and anxious," she remembers, But during her medical residency—when her stress level should have been sky-high—colleagues labeled Kaufmann the calmest resident they'd ever seen. What caused the change? Meditation.
For over 30 years, Kaufmann has continued to practice various forms of meditation and yoga. The improvement in her ability to cope and concentrate inspired her to design a stress-reduction program based on these practices. The course is taught through University Hospital.
"As an internist, I realized my patients could benefit from these skills," Kaufmann says. "But patients often don't like to go outside the medical system for help."
Many people learn meditation because they suffer from chronic pain, heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, headaches, anxiety and other disorders. But many begin because their lives seem to be spinning out of control. "No matter what your condition, this can help you cope better," Kaufmann says. "You become more reality-based. Instead of fearing the future or fretting over the past, you learn to act in the present."
"It takes a certain discipline to do this," she says. "But to benefit from any of our programs, you must commit to the exercises. It's like learning to play the piano. You can't just read about it. You have to play it."
Years after participating in one of comprehensive programs, participant satisfaction remains high, according to Kaufmann. "Most people are using at least one of the techniques four years later. Some people experience dramatic improvements in their health, but whether or not their health improves, the ability to cope with life improves."
Dr. Kaufmann uses mindfulness in every part of her life. She is a Professor of Medicine, teaches medical students and residents, is the medical director of a large medical practice, sees patients of her own, and directs the Upstate Center for Health and Meditation. She also is married with two teenage children. "Mindfulness and meditation allow me to focus and prioritize to enjoy every part of my life."
"I noticed years ago that very few long term meditators are overweight. Participants in our Stress Reduction Program who had previously had problems with food often commented that mindfulness made healthy eating much easier. Since obesity and its complications are the number one health problem in the United States, I really wanted to offer a formal program using mindfulness meditation techniques, especially mindful eating, to help people manage weight problems. In collaboration with Terry Podolak, RD, we launched the Mindful Eating Program in the fall of 2000."
Meditation goes beyond helping people cope with stress or weight problems. Says Kaufmann, "Eventually it makes you aware of how you help create your own stress and helps you change those behaviors." For more information about Stress Reduction offerings, please call (315) 464-6052.
Terry Podolak, RD
Terry Podolak, RD, is a registered dietitian at University Hospital. For the past eight years, Ms. Podolak has directed the hospital's outpatient nutrition counseling program. Her experience includes the treatment of obesity and its complications. Ms. Podolak is respected by her colleagues and her clients not only as a knowledgable clinician, but also as a caring, supportive and empathetic councelor.
Scott L. Treatman, DO
Scott L. Treatman, DO is one of the instructors for the Mindful Living & Stress Reduction Program. Dr. Treatman is a specialist in Occupational Medicine and is the medical director for a Central New York manufacturer. He has years of meditation experience and has been teaching stress reduction since 1997.
Pauline Cecere, CSW
Pauline Cecere, CSW is a psychotherapist in private practice in Cazenovia, and is on the clinical faculty of the Department of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Ms. Cecere has extensive experience in meditation and has taught stress reduction programs in various Central New York locations.
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