|
Introduction to Health and Spirituality Considerations
There has recently been a fascinating profusion of approaches for dealing with the connection of the body and the mind, and deep concern about the place of spirituality and religion in a person's life.
I am proud to have graduated from the professional certificate program in Spirituality, Health and Medicine at Bastyr University and have learned from representatives of several spiritual paths and organized religions. I want to say right off that I am in the dynamic situation of thinking/believing that Science is compatible with what can be called God/the Ineffable. I enjoy working with people of no faith and people of deep faith equally well. This can be a challenge to some people, but I hope you, the reader, can understand or look past this dynamic dual nature of my stance on the issue of Science and Spirituality. Especially after the tragic events of 9-11, I want to do what I can to foster cooperation between peoples of all faiths and beliefs about the nature of human life.
When you meet with me you might want to discuss what could be called Inner Resources. The questions below could give us a beginning point for our discussion. It can help me learn more about how I can best care for your concerns. They also may be useful for you to think about right now:
Basic Overall Questions:
What gives my life meaning?
What are your sources of hope, strength, comfort and peace?
What do you hold on to during difficult times?
Do you consider yourself part of an organized religion?
Are you part of a religious or spiritual community? Does it help you? How?
Would you benefit from discussing end-of-life issues?
Personal Spirituality:
Do you have personal spiritual beliefs independent of organized religion? What aspects of your spirituality or spiritual practices do you find most helpful to you personally?
How are you dealing with current health concerns?
Has your current situation affected your ability to do the things that usually help you spiritually? (or, affected your relationship with God?)
Are you satisfied with your social support relationships, and your sexuality and spirituality resources?
Implications for me as a health care provider:
As a doctor, is there anything that I can do to help you access the resources that usually help you?
What aspects of your beliefs would you like me to keep in mind as I care for you?
Are you worried about any conflicts between your beliefs and your medical situation, treatments, future decisions?
Are there any specific practices or restrictions I should know about in providing your care, such as diet restrictions or use of blood products?
Would you like to discuss the religious or spiritual implications of health care?
What knowledge or understanding would strengthen our relationship as physician and patient?
|