Koenig graduated with a B.S. in history from Stanford University (1974), later receiving his MD (1982) from University of California, San Francisco. He became Clinical Assistant Professor in Psychiatry (1992) and has been Professor of Psychiatry (2004-) at Duke University Medical Center.

He is currently director of Duke's Center for the Study of Religion/Spirituality and Health.

Koenig's ideas have been covered in a wide variety of news media, ranging from BBC radio to the Vatican Radio. Examples include:

• In 2009, Newsweek featured comments from Koenig, stating that he was "leading the charge for a better understanding of patients' religious and spiritual beliefs in the medical setting. 'It just makes too much sense,' he says, when patient after patient tells him, 'Doctor, religion is the most important thing; it keeps me going.' Koenig advocates that doctors take spiritual histories of any patient they are likely to have an ongoing relationship with, asking questions like: 'Is religion a source of comfort or stress? Do you have any religious beliefs that would influence decision-making? Do you have any spiritual needs that someone should address?'"

Books

Koenig has authored or edited more than 35 books that include:

• Is religion good for your health? The effects of religion on physical and mental health. Harold G. Koenig (1997, New York: Haworth Pastoral Press)
• Handbook of religion and mental health. Harold G. Koenig (1998, New York: Academic Press)
• Handbook of religion and health (see article). Harold G. Koenig, Michael E. McCullough, & David B. Larson, D. B. (2001, New York: Oxford University Press).

Other

Koenig has also published over 280 articles in peer-reviewed journals, scholarly professional journal articles and 60 chapters in professional books.