Katherine D. Van Schaik

In this engaging discussion, Katherine D. Van Schaik, MD, PhD, and author of "How to Be Healthy: An Ancient Guide to Wellness," dives into the extraordinary life of Galen, the gladiator physician who bridged medicine and philosophy. They explore Galen’s pivotal contributions to health and wellness, how his dreams influenced his career, and the surprising intersections of ancient dietary wisdom with modern practices. Katherine also shares humorous insights from her diverse medical experiences, making history accessible and entertaining.

Samir Chopra, a philosopher at Brooklyn College, discusses anxiety as a philosophical concept, challenging views of it as strictly medical. Katherine D. Van Schaik sheds light on Galen’s historical insights into anxiety, connecting ancient medicine to modern understanding. Michael Fontaine examines the duality of anxiety and grief through classical lenses, emphasizing mindfulness and community. Together, they debate contemporary anxieties shaped by urban life and technology, advocating for deeper philosophical reflection over pharmaceutical solutions.