IN REVIEW NEWS & UPDATES

UNDERWOOD CENTER CELEBRATES 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

The Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders has seen impressive growth since opening its doors in May 2013. Empowered by philanthropic support and the leadership of the Underwood Center Council, the center serves as a beacon in the field — ranking No. 5 in the U.S. for gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Special initiatives, such as the Fondren Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program and the Metabolic Liver Disease Program, give hope to those living with debilitating digestive illnesses. Faculty also continue to push boundaries in emerging areas like neurogastroenterology and robotic surgery to offer life-changing care to patients. Houston Methodist extends special thanks to Robert E. Fondren and Duncan K. Underwood for their exceptional leadership as co-chairs of the Underwood Center Council.

Spiritual Care Gets A Boost At Houston Methodist Willowbrook

On behalf of The Engraved Pencil Foundation, Mindi H. and Griffin E. Jones made recent gifts toward the Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Spiritual Care Fund. The gifts support the Clinical Pastoral Education Program — an accredited, yearlong hospital chaplain residency — and related spiritual care programs tailored to patients, families and employees.

The hospital’s chapel, now named the Mindi & Griff Jones Chapel, provides a physical focal point for spiritual care where patients and families can visit for prayer, spiritual care consultations and one-on-one interactions with loved ones or a chaplain.

“We are deeply grateful,” says Keith Barber, CEO of Houston Methodist Willowbrook. “Spiritual care programs are vital in a hospital environment as they cultivate an atmosphere of caring, healing and hope that is so valuable during times when individuals face health challenges.”

Cockrell Foundation Deepens

Investment In Biomedicine

Since 2010, the Cockrell Center for Advanced Therapeutics within the Houston Methodist Academic Institute has served as a world-class epicenter for biomedical advancement. A 2023 philanthropic investment by The Cockrell Foundation reinforces the progress being made in the more than 7,000 square feet of clinical research space that hosts a full range of Phase 1 outpatient clinical care and study support services.

The shared vision, generosity and leadership of both the Cockrell family and The Cockrell Foundation have helped shape Houston Methodist for nearly 50 years, with giving to research spanning infectious diseases and hematologic oncology to tissue bioengineering and music therapy. In addition, a 2004 gift established the Ernest Cockrell, Jr. Presidential Distinguished Chair at Houston Methodist, currently held by Dr. H. Dirk Sostman, president and CEO of the Houston Methodist Academic Institute.

Night Chaplain Fund Established At Houston Methodist West

Thanks to Dorothy T. Nicholson’s generosity, patients and families at Houston Methodist West Hospital can now meet with a chaplain or reflect in the chapel in the evenings without having to wait until morning staff members arrive. Nicholson’s gift established the Houston Methodist West Night Chaplain Fund to support an evening chaplain and other spiritual care activities.

“We are delighted that Dorothy’s gift allowed us to expand spiritual care coverage so patients and families can seek comfort in their time of need,” says the Rev. Stacy Auld, system director for Spiritual Care and Values Integration at Houston Methodist.