About me
Hello friends,
I’m Donna Chacko—Christian, retired physician, wife, mother, grandmother, author, and blogger. I seek more serenity and health in my own life and for you. That desire is what brought me here today.
I’ve always been curious and have loved learning. I did well in school, but I was more intellectually advanced and driven than I was mature or wise. This led me to marry and enter medical school when I was too young.
I worked hard for years raising a family and practicing medicine, but I neglected God and didn’t understand how emotionally closed off I was.
Difficulties in my marriage, family trials, and finally the illness and death of my first husband—the father of my three children—changed me in ways that are still unfolding, even many years later. Through those experiences, I’ve grown in my relationship with God and in my understanding of myself—who I am, what I value, and the path God has called me to follow.
Learning to trust God has been the key to my own healing and to finding health of body, mind, and spirit. I am extraordinarily grateful for this abundant health, which to me means being fully alive from the inside out and recognizing that God is the source of this life.
My book, Pilgrimage: A Doctor’s Healing Journey, tells that story and shares ideas that may help readers find greater serenity, better health, and a closer relationship with God.
You can now purchase Pilgrimage: A Doctor’s Healing Journey on Amazon
In my blog and other programs, I share experiences and ideas about caring for our bodies and souls so we can find healing ourselves, and, in turn, bring a little healing to our hurting world. Whether I’m talking about Centering Prayer, walking, listening, or eating six servings of fruits and veggies each day, I always emphasize that each step we take helps our whole self because our bodies, minds, and spirits are one interconnected whole with God at the center. I certainly didn’t learn that in medical school!
These days I live with my second husband in Maryland, outside of Washington, DC, where he and I are active in our nearby Catholic Church. I stay busy with my writing and work related to Serenity and Health, family and friends, reading, exercising, and gardening.
I’d love to hear from you. Email me anytime to comment, ask questions, or share your experiences. That’s how we’ll get to know one another.
God bless each of you,
About Serenity and Health
After retiring from clinical medicine, I wanted to do more. I was troubled by how much illness and suffering is caused by our habits, lifestyles, thinking patterns, and negative emotions. I first offered a stress reduction program at my church, which led me to found Serenity and Health in 2014. My mission is to help people understand that health of body, mind, and spirit is deeply interconnected and that, with God's help, we can grow in health, serenity, and closeness to Him.
Serenity and Health Blog
Since 2017, I've written a monthly blog exploring the connections among health, faith, and everyday life. Drawing on medicine, psychology, neuroscience, and personal experience, I write about topics such as stress, resilience, prayer, Centering Prayer, healthy habits, relationships, and God's mercy. Each post includes practical ideas readers can apply in their own lives.
Pop-Up Conversations on Health of Mind, Body and Spirit
Creating this limited video series interviewing these special people was both fun and inspiring. Discover the stories behind these authors, fitness experts, and spiritual directors. I was most moved by my conversations with Ryan S. Atkins, who became a quadriplegic at age 21, and Geri Scazzero, who helped found the Emotionally Healthy Spirituality ministry.
Engaging with a Messy World Video Series
I co-hosted this 10-video series with Susan Riggs, the author of the program. Each episode provides 20 minutes of lively conversation and compassionate wisdom on topics that will help you find more peace for yourself and our hurting world.
Professional Background for Those Who Are Curious
Oregon State University, 1967-1969; U. of California School of Medicine, 1974; U. of Chicago, completed Radiation Oncology Residency, 1979. Practice of Radiation Oncology, mostly in St. Petersburg, FL until 1999.
Family Medicine Residency, U. of South Florida, 2000-2003. Practice of Family Medicine, Christ House in Washington, DC, 2003-2010 and Columbia Road Health Services, Unity Health Care, Washington, DC, 2003-2013.
