|
Ronald C. Hamdy, MD, on the importance of spirituality
Spirituality/Medicine
Interface Program
The worlds of spirituality and medicine are often viewed as mutually exclusive. However, such a distinction overlooks the important role of spirituality in people’s lives, especially during times of illness or other crises. A growing body of research evidence suggests that spirituality and religion may influence the health of patients. The fact that most people consider themselves “spiritual” or “religious” testifies to the importance of this issue. Patients often value interactions with community-based clergy and hospital chaplains saying their visits bring hope and ease difficulties. Physicians receive little guidance in addressing this central but highly personal aspect of their patients’ lives and rely on clergy to take over in this area.
To address the need, the Southern Medical Association (SMA) has been awarded a grant from the John Templeton Foundation to explore the creative interface between science and religion. The Spirituality/Medicine Interface Project has implemented a series of spirituality/medicine related educational activities including “Special Sections” in the Southern Medical Journal (SMJ), live conferences and a specially designed website focused on education and resources.
The scope and objectives of the project are to promote—among physicians, chaplains, counselors, students, ministerial staff affiliated with hospitals, social workers, nurses and other health care professionals—an appreciation of the importance that spirituality and religion may have in their patients’ lives. Many people have migrated to this country and have adopted our way of life but adhere to some of their native customs as well. Understanding differences in beliefs can assist professionals in understanding how these factors may modulate their patients’ responses to disease, treatments and other procedures. The goal is to encourage a “team” approach on this topic and for “the team” to recognize the important part that spirituality and religion may play in their patients’ lives and then integrate spirituality into the day-to-day management of patients.
The Spirituality/Medicine Interface Conference will be held September 14–17, 2006, at the Emory Conference Center in Atlanta, GA, with a target audience of chaplains, social workers, nurses, physicians, medical students and residents. This format will allow a greater depth of discussion on various critical topics and bring the audiences together to discuss issues pertaining to “the team” in patient care. Topics will include how spirituality plays a roll in chronic illness, palliative care, substance abuse, cancer, depression, STD’s, domestic violence and catastrophes to name just a few. Some of the nationally recognized faculties included are Harold Koeing, MD, John Peteet, MD, Farr Curlin, MD, Conrad Daly, MTh, Robert DuRant, PhD, and James Hanvey, SJ, PhD. For more information, visit the website at www.sma.org/spirituality or call 1-800-423-4992.
Dr. Ronald C. Hamdy is Professor of Internal Medicine and holder of the Cecile Cox Quillen Chair of Excellence in Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, and is also Director of the Osteoporosis Center at East Tennessee State University. In 1988, he was appointed Chief of Staff for Extended Care at the VA Medical Center in Johnson City, TN. He is Past President of the Southern Medical Association and is the Editor of Southern Medical Journal. He is actively involved in research and practices at University Physicians Practice Group in Johnson City. He has published four books, written more than 100 articles in medical journals and numerous chapters in medical texts.
Do you have thoughts about education & research
you’d like to share with your colleagues?
Send an e-mail to info@PlainViews.org. |
.gif){kind=spacer}
.gif){kind=spacer}
