The Spirituality & Healing in Medicine Institute is committed to revitalizing the connection between spirituality and healing within the medical field, and bringing excellence in compassionate care back into medicine. Established in 2002 by Dr. Jerry Sonkens, and modeled after and working with GWISH (the George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health), SHIM is a leading organization in the Intermountain West in promoting, teaching, and researching spirituality and healing in medicine. SHIM is dedicated and loyal to the cause of creating an environment for healing and inner peace to occur within patients, care takers, physicians, and all those involved in the healing process.
Spirituality can be defined as a belief in a higher power or God. It has three dimensions: how we relate to ourselves, how we relate to others, and how we relate to a higher power. Dr. Rachel Ramen stated, "Everyone cannot be cured, but everyone can be healed." Spirituality and healing in medicine is a bridge building process, where medical professionals, fill a respected role in helping patients with wellness and health. Through compassionate concern, these professionals help their patients face challenges to the meaning in their life. By connecting personally and through partnerships with chaplains and spiritual leaders, they enlist the patient's definition of inner spirituality as a resource in the healing process.
SHIM wishes to enhance the level of care provided and received to all those involved in the healing process. The role of spirituality in this process is very critical, and is recognized by SHIM as the main focus in establishing true healing in the healthcare profession.
The SHIM Institute is devoted to promoting, teaching, and researching Spirituality and Healing in Medicine through its non-profit educational organization. SHIM strives to provide a networking resource for healthcare professionals, spiritual leaders, medical/educational institutions, community leaders and families. SHIM wants to improve the way healthcare is provided by incorporating spirituality into the art and science of the healing process, and will build a sense of community among those who believe this value statement.
The SHIM Institute believes in bringing spirituality, knowledge, education, and resources into the healing process, encouraging a spiritual dimension for:
o Practitioners
o Beneficiaries
o Institutions
o Friends & Family
This will be accomplished by:
- Exploring and defining spirituality as it impacts physical and mental well-being.
- Teaching and implementing practical tools of spirituality in the healthcare field.
- Encouraging intense reverence and gratitude for life
- Expanding the definitions of spirituality and exploring multiple approaches to it.
- Embracing the healing needs of the individual.
- Searching for and collecting proven data outcomes of spirituality in the healing process.
o Practitioners
o Beneficiaries
o Institutions
o Friends & Family
This will be accomplished by:
- Exploring and defining spirituality as it impacts physical and mental well-being.
- Teaching and implementing practical tools of spirituality in the healthcare field.
- Encouraging intense reverence and gratitude for life
- Expanding the definitions of spirituality and exploring multiple approaches to it.
- Embracing the healing needs of the individual.
- Searching for and collecting proven data outcomes of spirituality in the healing process.
Patients want and expect more compassionate healthcare systems where all their needs are met - spiritual, emotional, and physical needs.
SHIM educates and informs the medical community, within the Intermountain West region, as well as the general public regarding the incorporation of spirituality into healthcare.
Jerry Sonkens M.D. is the founder and director of the SHIM Institute. Through his work in Otolaryngology, Facial Plastics, and Head & Neck Surgery he has witnessed the importance of spirituality in healing mind, body, and spirit. With the focus of the organization being turned towards debilitating diseases, Dr. Sonkens sees the potential for so much more within the healthcare profession regarding spirituality. Dr. Sonkens is dedicated to developing clinical research and helping educate a new generation of healthcare providers. He is forthright in his convictions to share his ideas about spirituality with anyone who is interested.
Dr. Sonkens graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor's of Science degree. He obtained a Master's of Science Degree in Human Anatomy and a Medical Doctorate degree from George Washington University. He completed his residency training at Johns Hopkins University Hospital, and continues his training throughout the United States to stay knowledgeable and competent within his respective realm of healthcare.
Dr. Sonkens graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor's of Science degree. He obtained a Master's of Science Degree in Human Anatomy and a Medical Doctorate degree from George Washington University. He completed his residency training at Johns Hopkins University Hospital, and continues his training throughout the United States to stay knowledgeable and competent within his respective realm of healthcare.
The SHIM Institute (c) 2006