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Dr. Harold G. Koenig to Speak at R.J. Debottis Memorial Lecture on Aging, Nov. 8

HG Koenig, MD
HG Koenig, MD

Leading Expert in Spirituality and Medicine Discusses Healing Power of Faith

Dr. Harold G. Koenig, an internationally-recognized expert  in spiritually and medicine, will be the featured speaker at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work’s (GCSW) 13th Annual R.J. DeBottis Memorial Lecture on Aging on Monday, Nov. 8 at St. Joseph Medical Center.

“We are honored to host Dr. Koenig who is a pioneer in the scientific research linking religion and health in people of all ages,” said Ira Colby, dean of the UH GCSW. “Dr. Koenig has long held that faith enables the ill to fight disease and depression, so we are particularly interested in hearing his insight as it applies to older adults.

Koenig will examine the role that religion and spirituality play in coping with the challenges of aging. He will review new research findings on the relationship between religion, physical health, the aging process and its impact on longevity, while exploring possible applications to the clinical practice that physicians, nurses, social workers and other health professionals offer the aging population.

Koenig is a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University Medical Center and director of the Duke Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health. He is founder and former director of Duke’s Center for the Study of Religion, Spirituality and Health.  His research on religion, health and ethical issues in medicine has been featured by national and international news outlets, including “ABC’s World News Tonight,” “Good Morning America,” Newsweek , NPR, Parade Magazine, Reader’s Digest, and the NBC-TV “Today Show.” Koenig has been nominated twice for the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion.

His latest books include: “The Healing Power of Faith,” The Handbook of Religion and Health, “The Healing Connection,” “Faith and Mental Health,” “In the Wake of Disaster,” “Spirituality in Patient Care, 2nd edition,” and “Medicine, Religion and Health.”

The event is co-sponsored by UH GCSW, St. Joseph Medical Center, Institute of Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center, and Palmer Episcopal Order of St. Luke – Palmer Episcopal Church.   Proceeds from the R.J. DeBottis educational lecture fund scholarships for students in the GCSW who are preparing to serve the aging community in their professional careers.

WHAT: The 13th Annual R.J. Debottis Memorial Lecture and Dinner, “Health and Spirituality for the Aging Community,” featuring Dr. Harold G. Koenig, co-director of the Duke Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 8. Reception: 5:15 p.m., Dinner and Keynote Address: 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: St. Joseph Medical Center, George W. Strake Building – 9th Floor Auditorium, 1919 LaBranch Street Complimentary valet parking available at 1401 St. Joseph Parkway, Houston, TX 77002

WHO: Professionals in medicine, nursing, social work and other human service professions are invited to attend. For ticket information, call 713-743-9968.

Tickets (cost inclusive of dinner): Early bird registration by Oct. 22: $40. After Oct. 22: $50. Students: $20. Continuing Education (CE) credits are available. Seating is limited.

For more information on the UH Graduate College of Social Work, visit http://www.sw.uh.edu/main.php

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