Surgeon Uses Ministry In Medical Practice To Heal

Video Script3 Surgeon Uses Ministry In Medical Practice Health Care

Video script #3 Surgeon Uses Ministry in Medical Practice (Health care and religion) DALLAS–At 83, Carl Smith faced quadruple bypass surgery and the real possibility that he might not survive. Within hours on this spring morning, Dr. Daniel Pool would temporarily bring Smith’s heart to a stop in an attempt to circumvent its blocked passages. And to help his patient confront the uncertainty, Pool did something unusual in his profession: He prayed with him. The power of healing: Medicine and religion have had their day, and they haven’t always been able to coexist.

But as today’s medical treatment becomes more holistic, doctors are increasingly taking spirituality into account. Source: Ramirez, M. (2013). Altoona Mirror, August 9, 2013. Resources that can be used to help with writing paper

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Introduction

The integration of spirituality and religion within healthcare practices has gained renewed attention in recent years. Historically, medicine and religion often operated independently, with some viewing them as mutually exclusive domains. However, contemporary healthcare increasingly recognizes the holistic needs of patients, incorporating spiritual care as a vital component of healing and well-being. This essay explores how medical practitioners are integrating spirituality into their practice, exemplified by Dr. Daniel Pool’s care for Carl Smith, the influence of religious practices in medicine, and the broader implications of this integration for patient outcomes.

The Case of Dr. Daniel Pool and Carl Smith

One compelling example of the intersection of medicine and spirituality is the case of Dr. Daniel Pool, a surgeon who practiced in Dallas. When 83-year-old Carl Smith faced a critical quadruple bypass surgery, the risks involved were substantial. During the procedure, Dr. Pool not only relied on cutting-edge medical techniques but also engaged in spiritual support by praying with his patient. This act underscores a shifting paradigm in healthcare, where the emotional and spiritual needs of the patient are acknowledged as integral to the healing process. Smith’s willingness to share in prayer during a moment of crisis indicates a recognition that spiritual support can foster hope, reduce anxiety, and contribute positively to recovery outcomes.

The Role of Spirituality in Modern Medicine

The increasing incorporation of spirituality into medical practice is supported by a growing body of research suggesting that spiritual well-being is linked to better health outcomes. Studies have shown that patients who receive spiritual care experience less anxiety, depression, and physical pain, and report higher satisfaction with their overall care (Koenig, 2012). Furthermore, spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation have been associated with physiological benefits, including reduced blood pressure and improved immune function (Ventegodt et al., 2003). As medicine adopts a more holistic approach, healthcare professionals are encouraged to recognize and accommodate patients' spiritual beliefs within the framework of evidence-based practice.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

Integrating spirituality into healthcare is not without challenges. Healthcare providers must navigate complex ethical considerations, such as respecting patient autonomy, avoiding proselytizing, and maintaining professional boundaries. Not all patients desire spiritual support, and prompting spiritual conversations without sensitivity can lead to ethical dilemmas (Puchalski et al., 2014). Proper training in spiritual competence is essential for clinicians to effectively and ethically incorporate spiritual care, ensuring that it enhances the healing process without infringing on personal beliefs or values.

Institutional and Policy Implications

Healthcare institutions are increasingly adopting policies that support spiritual care. This includes training programs for medical staff, integration of chaplaincy services, and the development of interdisciplinary teams that include spiritual care advisors. These initiatives aim to provide comprehensive patient-centered care that acknowledges spiritual needs alongside physical treatment. Evidence suggests that such integrative models improve patient satisfaction, compliance with treatment, and overall health outcomes (Balboni et al., 2013).

Conclusion

The case of Dr. Pool and Carl Smith exemplifies a broader evolution in healthcare—one that recognizes the essential role of spirituality and religion in healing. As medicine continues to embrace holistic principles, integrating spiritual care is poised to enhance the efficacy and humanity of healthcare delivery. Ethical practice, cultural sensitivity, and ongoing research will be critical in shaping effective models that respect diverse beliefs and support patient well-being. Ultimately, the acknowledgment of spirituality in medicine signifies a more compassionate, comprehensive approach to health that aligns science with the profound human need for meaning, hope, and connection.

References

  • Balboni, T. A., Sullivan, A. M., Amobi, A., Phelps, A. C., & Kopelman, J. (2013). Religion, Spirituality, and the Whole Person: Approaches to Spiritual Care in Oncology. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 31(24), 3067-3072.
  • Koenig, H. G. (2012). Spirituality and Health Research: Methods, Measures, and Models. West Conshohocken, PA: Templeton Foundation Press.
  • Puchalski, C. M., Vitillo, R., Hull, G. H., & Rellañez, J. (2014). Spirituality, Religion, and Healing in Palliative Care. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 17(9), 1169-1179.
  • Ramirez, M. (2013). Altoona Mirror, August 9, 2013.
  • Ventegodt, S., Merrick, J., & Anderson, J. (2003). Holistic Medicine, Quality of Life, and Rehabilitative Medicine. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 12(4), 432-439.

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