Caring for the Whole Patient: The Interplay between Spirituality and the Delivery of Care

Healthcare in a Civil Society 2026 Symposium
Caring for the Whole Patient: The Interplay between Spirituality and the Delivery of Care
Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM CST

How should clinicians engage patients’ spiritual beliefs without crossing professional boundaries? What happens when those beliefs shape—or challenge—medical decision-making? And how can healthcare professionals respond ethically and compassionately when values and clinical recommendations collide?

The Tarrant County Medical Society’s Ethics Consortium invites you to Healthcare in a Civil Society 2026, a half-day symposium bringing together clinicians, ethicists, chaplains, and scholars to explore the role of spirituality in contemporary healthcare. This year’s program focuses on caring for patients as whole persons—biological, psychological, social, and spiritual.

The symposium features a keynote address by Jeff Bishop, MD, PhD (Saint Louis University), two dynamic panel discussions moderated by The Hon. Pete Geren, interactive breakout sessions, and an applied ethics segment led by Stuart Pickell, MD, MDiv (Burnett School of Medicine at TCU).  Panelists represent medicine, ethics, social work, and chaplaincy, offering diverse perspectives grounded in real clinical experience. Panelists include Devan Stahl, PhD (Baylor University) Kimbell Kornu, MD, PhD (Belmont University), Angela MacDonald, MDiv, MSW (John Peter Smith Hospital) and Stephen Couch, MA (Dallas Children’s Hospital).

Format:

• In-person at the Burnett School of Medicine at TCU (Fort Worth, TX), with a full breakfast provided
• Virtual attendance via Zoom, including participation in breakout sessions

Continuing Education:

• 4 hours of Ethics CE credit available for multiple healthcare professions

Registration Fees:

• CE Credit: $40
• General: $25
• Students: $10

Join colleagues from across disciplines for thoughtful dialogue, practical ethical tools, and meaningful connection around one of the most challenging and human dimensions of care.