David Schechter MD

David Schechter is a physician and author focusing on mind-body approaches to pain and other disorders. Dr. Schechter practices in West LA,, CA. He has been named a Top Doctor for over twenty years and notably by LA Magazine, US News and World Report, and Men's Health Magazine. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he attended Princeton University and NYU Medical School before heading west for residency at UCLA/Santa Monica Hospital and has been living in LA for over 40 years.

After residency he taught at the USC School of Medicine and obtained a Board Certification (CAQ) in Sports Medicine and worked with athletic teams in the downtown area. Dr. Schechter moved into private practice, reconnected with John Sarno, M.D. and his mind-body practice was rekindled.

Over the last thirty plus years in private practice, Dr. Schechter has conventionally treated many thousands of individuals for sports injuries, acute back pain, etc. But of special interest, Dr. Schechter has treated over 4500 mostly chronic pain patients with the TMS healing model. He has published several papers on his work, mostly while Principal Investigator for the Seligman Medical Institute which funded this work for four years.

He has also written The MindBody Workbook, The MindBody Workbook Volume Two, and Think Away Your Pain to educate patients about this condition. These materials are used as part of a home program used by many of his TMS patients and are available on Amazon. These books were inspired by what Dr. John Sarno taught him. His newest book, The Lesson Doctor Sarno Taught Me, describes the inspiration and the lessons learned from Dr. Sarno as a patient, a student, a colleague, and finally as a fond friend during his later years.

The Lessons Doctor Sarno Taught Me is a memoir and an essay on mentorship. It is a short work with 12 brief chapters and 18 powerful lessons. There’s something in here for everyone who’s interested in Dr. Sarno‘s work or interested in the role of a powerful mentor in one's professional development.

His newest book: release date August 2, 2026, is called Ask Your Family Doctor. Here, Dr. Schechter draws on decades of real-world experience to answer the questions patients ask every day and to help readers become more informed, confident participants in their own healthcare.

Dr. Schechter is on the medical staff at Cedars Sinai Medical Center and has lectured widely at conferences. Dr. Schechter's audible versions include Think Away Your Pain and The MindBody Workbook, Volume Two. This new work was published in 2023, co-authored with Justin Barker, Psy.D. . The Workbooks can be done in either order. Volume Two is state of the art and now recommended to be done first. Be sure to write out, type, or audio record your answers especially for ebook or audible versions!

The MindBody Workbook for Teens was published as part of an effort to get the message of the emotional-physical health link into schools. An accompanying school curriculum is available to teachers and principals.

Understanding and Healing from TMS is a transcribed compilation of earlier recordings (as The MindBody Audio Program), edited for a contemporary audience. There is also an online course on this subject. See his website mindbodymedicine dot com.

Dr. Schechter enjoys walking, photography, writing, golf, softball, pickleball, and spending time with his family when he's not working or writing.