In this deeply moving episode of Interviews with Innocence, Marla Hughes engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Katie Deming, a former radiation oncologist and founder of The Conscious Oncologist. Known for her pioneering approach that bridges traditional and integrative medicine, Dr. Deming shares her journey from practicing Western medicine to embracing a holistic, spiritual path centered on the soul’s innate power to heal. Her story is one of transformation, beginning with an early calling to medicine and deepening through her experiences in hospice care, where she witnessed moments of grace, love, and spiritual insight that forever changed her perspective on life and death.

Dr. Deming reflects on her time working with terminal patients, including the life-altering experience of holding a patient as they passed. This moment catalyzed a shift, opening her eyes to the beauty and mystery of the end-of-life transition. She shares her journey of becoming a “conscious oncologist,” including her spiritual awakening and encounters with the divine, which redefined her understanding of medicine, healing, and death. Marla and Dr. Deming delve into her use of ceremonies to honor patients, her interactions with trauma and yoga therapists, and even a shamanic drumming ceremony in which she felt the presence of a departed patient’s spirit—experiences that reinforced her belief in the afterlife and opened up her own intuitive gifts.

This episode touches on her decision to step away from Western medicine, driven by a calling to help people prepare for death with acceptance, presence, and dignity. Dr. Deming discusses her thoughts on the shortcomings of traditional Western medicine and the importance of integrating wisdom from diverse healing traditions. She also shares deeply personal insights, such as her encounter with the spirit of Mother Teresa, who taught her how to “walk patients home” as they transitioned, an experience that remains close to her heart and guides her work to this day.

Dr. Deming’s work with patients extends beyond physical healing to nurturing their spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being. She speaks passionately about using her intuition responsibly, ensuring that her spiritual gifts are shared in a way that honors each patient’s needs. As she reflects on her role as a healer, Dr. Deming offers wisdom on embracing life’s full journey and passing this understanding to younger generations—empowering them to live with an awareness of life’s continuity and beauty.

Join Marla and Dr. Deming for this illuminating conversation, as they explore topics from spiritual awakenings to the art of holding space for life’s final moments. This episode offers transformative insights into health, healing, and the unseen dimensions of life, reminding us of the profound impact of compassion, presence, and spiritual connection in the journey toward true well-being.