Barbara E. Berkeley, MD

I graduated from college with all intentions of becoming a writer, but I found that I had an unfulfilled curiosity about science. I decided to become a teacher of the deaf, a course of study that would lead me to learn anatomy and physiology. After several years of teaching I realized that my true interest was medicine. I went to night school for two years to obtain the necessary prerequisite courses and was able to obtain admission to medical school. After becoming a doctor, my curiosity about science transformed into a curiosity about the best way to keep patients well. It seemed to me that it made the most sense for human beings to stick as closely as possible to our ancient genetic patterns. I began using this philosophy in my treatment of overweight and obese patients and was delighted to find that it worked beautifully. I was also gratified to find that a growing number of physicians and scientists were thinking the same way. I am now completely committed to this philosophy, both in the care of my patients and in my own life. I am a devoted "ancient eater" and exerciser and I live on a small farm where we raise many animals, have lovely free eggs for breakfast, and grow and smell the flowers.