The 15th Annual Collective Soul Symposium
Living the Integration of Spiritual Care and Creating Healing Environments in our Daily Clinical Practice
Friday, April 10, 2026, 7:30 AM - Saturday, April 11, 2026, 5:00 PM
A Virtual Activity
Continuing Education credits available.
*Please note that registering for this conference is a two-step process. Once you have completed your initial registration, you will be guided to the next step in securing your registration and online access.
DESCRIPTION
Spirituality and religiosity are recognized as factors that contribute to the quality of life and coping strategies in many people facing life-threatening illnesses. These life-threatening events can also give rise to spiritual distress. When combined with chronic or acute pain and other physical and psychological symptoms, spiritual distress can be a component of a patient’s total suffering which the palliative care team (The Collective Soul) seeks to alleviate, enhancing the human spirit and creating a healing environment in the middle of distressful situations. The purpose of this course is to provide a better understanding of the Clinical Care Team’s role in enhancing the Human spirit and relieving a patient’s bio-psychosocial and spiritual suffering.
Attention to spirituality and addressing spiritual or religious needs is an essential component of person-centered care and may ameliorate suffering and console patients as they try to find life’s meaning and purpose. Spiritual care is a key component of compassionate, dignified, and holistic care of patients and families struggling with advanced illnesses that we All are called to provide.
The 2026 Steve Thorney Lecture in Spiritual Care Awardee and Keynote Speaker:
Enric Benito Oliver (Palma de Mallorca, 1949) is a physician specializing in Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, with over four decades dedicated to understanding human suffering and integrating spiritual care into clinical practice. He earned his Medical Degree from the University of Zaragoza in 1972, his specialization in Medical Oncology in 1976, a PhD in Medicine from the University of Barcelona in 1980, and a master’s in Palliative Care from the same university in 2000.
In 2000, he established Mallorca's first Palliative Care Unit, which he led until 2009, and from 2009 to 2017, he served as Regional Coordinator for the Palliative Care Program of the Balearic Islands Government. An Honorary Member of the Spanish Palliative Care Society (SECPAL), he founded its Spirituality Group (2006–2014).
He teaches spiritual care in several postgraduate programs and directs advanced courses at the Borja Institute of Bioethics (Ramon Llull University). His public work includes co-founding the portal Alfinaldelavida.org and inspiring the documentary Hay una puerta ahí. He is also the author of the best-selling book “El niño que se enfadó con la Muerte”. In 2024, he received the Ramon Llull Gold Medal for his professional contributions.
EDUCATIONAL GOALS
Describe the importance of integrating Spiritual Care in our daily clinical practice. Creating healing environments in our daily interactions with our patients and their families/caregivers.
Describe the importance and the role of the Interdisciplinary Team in the General Clinical and Palliative Care and Hospice settings in the care of patients with serious illnesses and their families in a multicultural environment.
Describe the principles of management of different distressing Physical symptoms of patients with advanced illnesses.
Describe the principles of management of Distressing Emotional and Spiritual symptoms in patients with advanced illnesses and their families.
OBJECTIVES OF THE SYMPOSIUM
Explain the importance and role of the interdisciplinary team in palliative care and hospice settings, focusing on the care of patients with advanced illnesses and their families in a multicultural context.
Describe the principles for managing various distressing physical symptoms in patients with advanced illnesses.
Analyze principles for managing distressing emotional and spiritual symptoms in patients with advanced illnesses and their families.
TARGET AUDIENCE
This important educational event is aimed at chaplains, ministers, clergy, spiritual care counselors, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals delivering spiritual care in the community and healthcare facilities.
Certificates for Attendance: CMEs, CNEs, CEUs, and Ethics credits will be provided.
SPECIALTY
Hospice and Palliative Medicine
EDUCATIONAL METHODS
Didactic/Lecture
Panel Discussions
Question and Answer Sessions
Case Presentations
EVALUATION/CERTIFICATES
An online course evaluation tool will provide participants with the opportunity to comment on the value of the program content to their practice decisions, performance improvement activities, or possible impact on patient health status. Participants will also have the opportunity to comment on any perceived commercial bias in the presentations as well as to identify future educational topics. Certificates provided upon completion of symposium evaluation.
ACCREDITATION/ CREDIT STATEMENT
In support of improving patient care, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
CREDIT DESIGNATION
In support of improving patient care, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 13.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 13.75 credit(s) of education in medical ethics and/or professional responsibility. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center designates this live activity to award 13.750 Nursing Contact Hour(s).
The University of Texas MD Anderson (CEU Provider #4607) is an approved continuing education provider for Social Workers through the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners. This activity has been approved for continuing education units.