Barry Kerzin

Professor of medicine and Buddhist monk[44]

What is Barry Kerzin known for?

Barry Michael Kerzin, born on November 1, 1947, in Hollywood, California, is an American physician and Buddhist monk known for his remarkable journey intertwining medical practice and spiritual exploration. He attended Granada Hills High School before he went on to study Philosophy at University of California, Berkeley and later acquired his MD from the University of Southern California in 1976.

His early life was marked by serious health challenges, including seizures and comas caused by a brain abscess, requiring multiple surgeries. These experiences inspired him to become a physician to help others.

After working as a family doctor in Ojai, California, Kerzin faced personal loss when his wife passed away from ovarian cancer. Seeking solace and answers, he ventured on a spiritual journey to India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, visiting numerous monasteries. During this time in the mid-1980s, he also served as Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Eventually, he found himself in Dharamshala, India, where he decided to stay, offering free medical services to the local community, including His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama. Deepening his engagement with Buddhism, he was ordained as a Bikkshu (Buddhist monk) by the Dalai Lama himself in 2003.

Beyond his medical practice, Kerzin has made significant contributions as a teacher blending Buddhism and medicine. His work in neuroscience research, exploring the effects of meditation on the brain, has also been recognized. He held professorship positions at the University of Hong Kong and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Moreover, he founded the Altruism in Medicine Institute (AIMI) and the Human Values Institute (HVI) in Japan, demonstrating his dedication to integrating philosophy, medical science, and altruism.