IF YOU GO Dr. Jeremy Geffen offers lectures, seminars and retreats on integrative cancer care, "The Seven Levels of Healing," as well as multi-dimensional approaches to medicine, healing, wellness and life. Geffen, MD, FACP, is a board-certified medical oncologist, a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine, author and the founder of Geffen Visions International, Inc. (GVI). Learn more at www.geffenvisions.com. See him at Naropa University at the following workshops and conferences:

WHAT: The Journey Through Cancer & The Seven Levels of Healing: A Weekend Workshop for Patients, Families, Caregivers and Friends

WHEN: April 25-27, 2008

WHERE: Naropa University, Boulder, www.naropa.edu

CONTACT: Pamela Taylor, extend@naropa.edu, 303-245-4629

Boulder-based, Dr. Jeremy Geffen knows cancer. He knows the physical challenges of cancer, but he also understands its effects on loved ones, the mind, heart and spirit. Geffen, MD, FACP, became an oncologist after his father's untimely death from cancer. Since then, he has made leaps and bounds in medical aide for suffering patients with his crafted "The Seven Levels of Healing."

Dr. Jeremy Geffen hosts "The Journey Through Cancer and The Seven Levels of Healing:A Weekend Workshop for Patients, Families, Caregivers and Friends," at Naropa University April 25-27.

"The Seven Levels of Healing" integrates standard western medicine with complimentary forms of medicine using homeopathies and holistic healing. Geffen refers to "The Seven Levels" as a "map" that can "maximize all aspects of their care in order to have the best possible outcome."

The first step is to become educated on your illness and the options available for treatment. The second step is to find a connection with other cancer patients -- studies show numerous benefits derived from support groups and other psychosocial programs. The third level suggests the patient to delve into non-conventional therapies such as massage and acupuncture.

The fourth and fifth levels explore the patient's mind -- with emotional healing that releases the gripping hands of fear and depression so one can learn to live positively with cancer. Geffen often refers to the emotional aspects of cancer as "the elephant in the room." He says, "Some people face the elephantOthers shun the emotional issues, or ignore them completely and then are often haunted by them in different ways."

Before the final step, a patient must asses their life by exploring their goals and purposes. The concluding point focuses on embracing one's spiritual essence through meditation, prayer, reflective time with loved ones and nature.

Dr. Geffen has studied a wide-variety of eastern spiritual and healing traditions, while taking numerous trips to India, Nepal and Tibet.

In regards to "The Seven Levels," Geffen says, "I couldn't say that one level is more important than the other. What is important is that patients understand that there are seven domains of exploration available to them, and by knowing themselves, they can make sure they are leaving no stone unturned in their health and well- being."

Geffen's innovative map of healing was spawned from many years of recognizing a pattern in the questions, concerns and problems patients and loved ones encountered while handling their sickness. He combined the personal experiences of his father and his patients with his knowledge of conventional and alternative medicine to accurately address all the difficult issues of cancer.

In 1994, Dr. Geffen opened the Geffen Cancer Center and Research Institute in Vero Beach, Florida.

"At the center, we practiced state-of-the- art, meticulous, mainstream medicine," he says. "That was the foundation from which we never wavered. But, we also offered a variety of wonderfully supportive, complementary approaches to healing." After ten long -- but rewarding -- years, Geffen closed the center in order to bring the program to a larger audience. Since then, he has published a revised second edition to his book, "The Journey Through Cancer" and speaks to a large number of audiences in the United States and abroad about integrated health care. He also consults hospitals and cancer centers in developing leading-edge integrated medicine programs and leads workshops and retreats for healthcare professionals and patients.

The Rocky Mountain Cancer Center in Boulder has licensed "The Seven Levels of Healing" program and offer free weekly classes on the series to patients, family members and anyone in the community who has been afflicted by cancer in any way.Next weekend, Naropa University is hosting Dr. Geffen's workshop for people living with cancer, their loved ones and healthcare professionals. He will address questions and expertly guide the audience through his program.

"It's helpful for professionals who want to lean about ways they can support their clients more skillfully and effectively in all aspects of these arenas," says Geffen.

For now, Geffen is unsure whether he will go back to being a practicing doctor. His ultimate vision is to have "The Seven Levels of Healing" available to patients throughout the world within his lifetime.

But for now, "it seems that the natural evolution of my work as a physician and oncologist is to help the entire healthcare system, because we know the healthcare system right now is not well and is in a crisis -- it needs to be healed."

For more information of Dr. Geffen and his workshops go to www.geffenvisions.com