Historically the boundary between religion and medicine has never become as fixed as the boundary separating religion and the natural sciences. The ancient linkage between spiritual wholeness and physical health has surfaced from time to time through a variety of movements and phenomena that have been influential, but have existed primarily at the periphery of modern medicine. Over the last decade the popular media has reported on a variety of developments that indicate that a growing interest in religion and health is pulling religion from the periphery of medicine into its mainstream. For example, many medical schools and residency programs now include both elective and required courses in medicine and religion, researchers are publishing studies that examine the correlation of religious belief and practices with health effects, and physicians are considering how they should address the religious and spiritual dimensions of care. While many welcome these developments there are many that express concern that there are significant risks to the integrity of the respective practices of religion and medicine. Much of the concern expressed by the medical and religious communities come from the lack of an organizing conceptual framework that identifies genuine points of connection between religion and medicine, while maintaining the distinctions that give each their distinctive tasks and identities. This session summarizes recent developments and controversies in the growing relationship between religion and medicine, and presents a conceptual framework for understanding how both religion and medicine can cooperatively contribute to the health of individuals and communities.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session the learner in this session will be able to: 1. List three risks and three benefits of the growing relationship between religion and medicine. 2. Discuss recent studies on the health benefits of religion and spirituality. 3. Describe how the interest in religion and medicine is being addressed in medical school curricula. 4. Discuss a conceptual framework for integrating religion and medicine in patient care.
Keywords: Health, Religion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.