Spa People in the News

ISPA to Recognize Dr. Howard Murad as a Visionary Leader in the Spa Industry

LEXINGTON, Ky. - 9/3/2009 - The International SPA Association will honor Howard Murad, M.D., CEO and founder of Murad, Inc. during the 2009 ISPA Conference & Expo, Oct. 5-8 at the Hilton Austin and the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Tx. Dr. Murad is a board-certified dermatologist, trained pharmacist and associate clinical professor of medicine (dermatology) at the Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, and will be the recipient of this year's ISPA Visionary Award. He is a pioneer in research and clinical studies into The Science of Cellular WaterTM, which established him as an international authority on the aging process. Dr. Murad has treated more than 50,000 patients and holds 18 patents for advances in the science of skin health in a career spanning four decades.

"Dr. Murad was a pioneer in marrying the medical and spa worlds, and his lifelong dedication to delivering important research in skin care to better this industry is commendable" said ISPA Chairman Jean Kolb. "We are honored to recognize him for all of his contributions and visionary leadership within the spa industry."

The ISPA Visionary Award is given each year to an ISPA member who has made significant contributions to both the definition and positive movement of health and wellness over the lifetime of their career. As a member of the ISPA Foundation Board from 2004 to 2008, Dr. Murad established the Dr. Howard Murad Research Grant, which offers assistance to researchers studying the effects of cultural stress and ways to manage it.

Upon learning of this recognition, Dr. Murad said, "I am deeply moved to have been named a visionary by a group that has done so much in raising standards of care and improving the public perception of the spa experience. Being honored by ISPA also reminds me how fortunate I am to enjoy a career built upon my passion for helping people live healthier, happier lives."

In 1972, Dr. Murad opened his practice in Westchester, Calif. By 1989 he had created Murad Inc. and established Sense of Self, a medically supervised day spa. Soon after, he launched the first line of clinically proven skin care products developed by a dermatologist. Dr. Murad has published several books including: "The Murad Method," published in 2003, "Wrinkle-Free Forever," released in 2004 and "The Cellulite Solution," published in 2005. His next book is set to be released in 2010.

The 2009 ISPA Visionary Award will be presented to Dr. Murad during the General Session on Monday, Oct. 5. Other 2009 award recipients include Pat and Juanita Corbett, accepting the ISPA Dedicated Contributor Award on Tuesday, Oct. 6; and Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong, accepting the ISPA Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award during the closing General Session on Thursday, Oct. 8. If you are interested in learning more about the 2009 ISPA Conference & Expo, please visit the ISPA Web site. Registration is open, and the easiest way to register is online.

About the International SPA Association
ISPA is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. Founded in 1991, ISPA advances the spa industry by providing invaluable educational and networking opportunities, promoting the value of the spa experience and speaking as the authoritative voice to foster professionalism and growth. More details on ISPA are available on http://www.experienceispa.com/.