Dalai Lama’s Doctor Visits Coast

The Dalai Lama has visited Santa Barbara and now one of his doctors has too.

Dr. Barry Kerzin who used to live in Ojai and practice in Ventura County now takes care of the exiled Tibetan leader.

On Tuesday Kerzin gave a talk at Cottage Hospital about end of life issues.

Dr. Michael Kearney called it a timely topic. He said it’s important to prepare without fear.

The Dalai Lama spoke at UCSB in 2009. The bench he sat on is on display at Sacred Space in Summerland. On Wednesday he will turn 81.

‘He is vibrant and healthy. I really believe it’s his complete total dedication to serving others that drives him and gives him so much strength and so much power,” said Kerzin.

Kerzin was inspired by Buddhism and a book about Zen. He decided to became a doctor after suffering a brain abscess. He went to the University of California at Berkeley followed by medical school at the University of Southern California.

He loves what he does and said he has to pinch himself sometimes.

On Saturday he will lead a meditation retreat at the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara. The program will help people find balance by teaching them how to transform anger, jealousy and pride into patience, appreciation and humility.

For ticket information log onto altruismmedicine.org.