17-23 Jun

Q: True or false? Being modern and rational, Americans reject religious belief and do not want doctors to address spiritual matters.

ABSTRACT

Illness is a spiritual event, raising troubling questions of a transcendental nature about the meaning of life, the values in life that are most important, and the kinds of activities and relationships that should take precedence. Research suggests that clinical decision making in medical practice should consider the strength and prevalence of religious beliefs and practices among patients. Patients want physicians to take their religious commitment into account in planning their treatment.

A: Spirituality and religion are an integral part of the life of most Americans. Ninety-five percent believe in G-d. More than 50 percent pray daily, and more than 40 percent attend a church or synagogue weekly. Almost three-quarters of Americans say their approach to life is grounded in religious faith. A similar percentage believe that their physician should address spiritual matters as a part of their medical care. In view of these figures, it is not surprising that spirituality and religion influence the health and well-being of many people.

BIO
Jonathan Braunstein was born and raised in Miami, Florida. After completing undergraduate studies at Ohio State University he attended the University of Miami School of Medicine. He underwent three and a half years of postgraduate training in internal medicine at the same school of medicine.

Dr. Braunstein went on to become a faculty member at the University of Miami School of Medicine, a position he has held for over thirty years. For twenty-two years he also served as an associate dean of the medical school, where he directed a course on behavioral science. He coauthored and coedited Medical Applications of the Behavioral Sciences.

jonathan.braunstein@med.va.gov

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Professor Herman Branover, Editor-in-Chief