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=The Institute for Spirituality and Health=

The Institute for Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the awareness of the role that spirituality plays in healing, in coping with chronic illness, and in maintaining optimal health. Founded in 1955 and formerly known as the Institute for Religion, ISH has played a vital and unique role both locally and nationally in highlighting the importance of the relationship between spirituality and health, thereby equipping doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers to incorporate spirituality into the treatment of their patients.

History of the Institute
The Institute for Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center was founded in 1955, and was originally known as The Institute for Religion. From its inception, the Institute has been dedicated to the concept that humans are spiritual beings and spirituality plays a vital role in health and healing. Many of the original founders of the institute are well known to the Houston community. With the support of families and foundations, a four-story building was constructed behind Methodist Hospital in the middle of the rapidly expanding Texas Medical Center. In 1959, Time Magazine recognized the Institute as the first of its kind in the country (CITATION: TIME December 14th, 1959). At the time, the Institute housed the first nationally accredited Hospital Chaplain training program in the country. As the Texas Medical Center grew, hospitals began creating their own training programs so the Institute had to find other avenues to pursue. In a significant development, Dr. Baruch Brody, Ph.D., was hired to lead a team of ethicists and the Center for Medical Ethics was created. Many academic papers on biomedical and ethical issues were published and major conferences held. In 1979, The Encyclopedia of Bioethics said the Institute for Religion was the “first major institution devoted to medical ethics in the United States.” Work continued over the years, but in 2001, Tropical Storm Allison flooded the IRH building, causing irreparable damage. Methodist Hospital acquired the land and relocated the newly renamed Institute for Spirituality and Health to its current location. In 2011, Kenneth I. Pargament, Ph.D., was brought to ISH to serve as the Distinguished Scholar-in-Residence for a one-year term. Dr. Pargament is an internationally recognized and published Psychologist, who helped realize new vistas in research and academic engagement. He also expanded the vision that ISH should be recognized nationally and internationally as a center in the field of Spirituality and Health.

Education
The most substantial component of ISH’s work is its educational programs. The Institute hosts an average of one event each month with varying attendance. A wide range of topics is covered and occasionally these events are collaborative. In addition, ISH holds two major conferences each year: The Psychotherapy and Faith Conference (in its 23rd year) and the Nursing Conference (in its 22nd year). ISH has also partnered with Allegra Learning solutions to provide online coursework and continuing education for professionals. ISH offers several services to the community. Support groups, including a bereavement group and a monthly support group for medical professionals are popular. Several “partners,” who see patients and train professionals, have access to the facility and rotate in and out as need arises. Recently, ISH has begun acting as a consultant for other non-profits that deal with patient care. In this capacity, ISH advises these entities on how to incorporate spiritual care or considerations into their existing services. In collaboration with Dawn Mountain Buddhist Temple, ISH is working on creating a traveling contemplative space that will engage the community at several levels to promote mindfulness and meditation towards better health and well-being. ISH completed the Houston Physician’s Survey in 2012. A formal presentation of the results of this study was made at The University of Chicago’s Annual Medicine and Religion Conference in March 2014. In addition, Ken Pargament served as Distinguished Scholar and made contributions to ISH’s research wing from 2011-2012. New research initiatives are focused on neuroscience and spirituality, as well as treatment of moo disorders using mindfulness techniques. Most recently, ISH has established a consistently updated blog, which acts as a venue for its adjunct faculty to post pieces relating to current thoughts and projects.

Philosophy
ISH employs a philosophy that understand the relationship between spirituality and health in three distinct, yet often overlapping, ways: Spirituality impacts health – Spiritual beliefs, practices, and communities interact with health outcomes in measurable ways. Health impacts spirituality – Encounters with healthcare and going through experiences related to healthcare may have an impact on spirituality and/or religious beliefs. Cultural differences relating to spirituality affect health – Cultural differences have an impact on how individuals give care and receive care. ISH uses this three-part framework to form its programs, research, and services.

Caring Heart Award
Every year, ISH honors an individual or an organization that embodies the spirit of ISH’s mission. Past awardees include: James Willerson, MD, President of the Texas Heart Institute TIRR Memorial Hermann Rabbi Samuel Karff, former Senior Rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel