New Director of Chaplaincy Service Appointed

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Monday, 17 September 2001

The Reverend Dr. Joan L. Murray has joined Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) as the Director of the Chaplaincy Service.

Dr. Murray will be responsible for directing a multifaith team of chaplains help patients, families, and staff deal with the tremendous emotional and physical toll of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Employing the art and skill of pastoral care, MSKCC's Chaplaincy Service aims to guide patients to their own spiritual traditions as a source of strength.

"What brought me to New York is the mission, reputation, and commitment of Sloan-Kettering. I'm very grateful to have the opportunity to participate in the care of the patients, families, and staff," said Dr. Murray. "We provide a pastoral relationship in the process of giving spiritual care. And whatever that person brings as their understanding of the spiritual is what we want to encourage."

MSKCC is partner with the HealthCare Chaplaincy, a multifaith community of professionals who are dedicated to the advancement of pastoral care and education. The Chaplaincy, the largest non-denominational center for Clinical Pastoral Education in the world, has more than 50 certified professional chaplains who work at over 30 clinical sites in the greater New York City area.

Dr. Murray comes to MSKCC from the University of Virginia Health System where she served as an Associate Professor and Clinical Co-ordinator of Pastoral and Spiritual Care. Before becoming a chaplain, she was trained as a nurse and received her Masters of Nursing from the University of South Carolina.

"The Chaplaincy program provides essential pastoral care and spiritual support to Sloan-Kettering patients and their families. It is integral to the caring and healing environment that we strive to create," said Associate Hospital Administrator Janice Levy. "Dr. Murray brings a wonderful spiritual strength and vast experience to her leadership role in the department."

Having received her Masters of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University and her Doctorate in Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Dr. Murray is ordained as an Elder in the United Methodist Church. She is also credentialed as a supervisor of Clinical Pastoral Education.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is the world's oldest and largest institution devoted to prevention, patient care, research and education in cancer. Our scientists and clinicians generate innovative approaches to better understand, diagnose and treat cancer. Our specialists are leaders in biomedical research and in translating the latest research to advance the standard of cancer care worldwide.

For more information, or to contact Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, see their website at: www.mskcc.org