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    Saybrook University/Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center

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  • Biography

    Frank Munoz is a PhD candidate in the School of Mind-Body Medicine at Saybrook University.  Frank has worked for the last 12 years as a clinical chaplain in a hospital setting with a clinical specialty is palliative care chaplaincy.  He also has a background in Army and Air Force chaplaincy.  In 2010 Frank received a grant from the National Institute of Health and National Cancer Institute to train as a healthcare researcher.  The grant provided funds to pay for a doctorate degree as part of research training, which inspired him to choose enrollment in Saybrook University’s School of Mind-Body Medicine.  Frank was drawn to the Mind-Body Medicine PhD program due to its innovative and creative spirit. 



    As a clinical chaplain, Frank works with patients and families in emotional and spiritual distress.  This felt distress is usually rooted in the physical and emotional pain of a terminal illness.  In his pursuit of higher education, Frank sought to learn various techniques that would help support human beings overwhelmed with the burden of a life-threatening diagnosis.  In his pursuit of knowledge, skills,  and understanding, Frank was particularly drawn to research studies showing that meditation, hypnosis, and guided imagery can alter gene expression. 



    Modifying gene expression:  Current research shows that the human genome defines a range of possibilities, including illnesses such as cancer or autism.  Many factors, from nutrition to stress to lifestyle, can determine whether and how much these genetic possibilities get expressed in a particular individual.  Frank's research focuses on measuring how much spiritual care and mind-body techniques can positively modify gene expression.



    Meditation, hypnosis, and imagery techniques provide ways to manage chronic stress, while also providing support for self-awareness and the search for meaning. Frank has found a substantial body of research documenting the efficacy of mind-body modalities in influencing gene expression.



    Frank's research has resulted in two poster presentations and one published abstract.  The Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) accepted Frank’s poster on “Spiritual Care and Gene Expression.”  At APC Frank intends to share what he has learned thus far in his doctoral journey on the measurable effects of spiritual care on gene expression.  He is scheduled to present this poster at APC’s next national conference in June 2015. 



    In November, Frank will present a second poster at the national conference of the Center for the Advancement of Palliative Care’s (CAPC).  In that poster, he will share how he captures, in electronic charting, the effects of palliative care patients’ religious or spiritual beliefs on their healthcare choices and preferences. 



    Additionally, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has accepted an abstract on Frank's research for publication.  In a pilot study, Frank measured the effects of the Mind-Body Medicine Epigenetic technique (MET) on p53 gene expression.  The expression of the p53 gene is important in the control of cancer growth.  ASCO has published Frank’s abstract on their website.  Frank intends to continue his studies on the potential of mind-body modalities to modulate gene expression.



    The ASCO abstract is available at:  http://abstracts.asco.org/156/AbstView_156_145788.html