PHILADELPHIA – The Delaware father of five children who was arrested Tuesday for “waterboarding” his 11-year-old daughter is a internationally known pediatrician who specializes in so-called near-death experiences.

Dr. Melvin Morse, who has written several books on children and near-death experiences, has appeared on numerous TV shows including “Oprah,” and “Larry King Live,” to talk about his research.

State troopers have charged Morse, 58, with multiple felony counts of endangering the welfare of a child after the girl told social workers about her father’s punishments.