i say absolutely yes! a recent study, as presented in our clinical medicine course, showed the effects that prayer has on patient outcome. beyond that, maybe it hasn't been shown through scientific research, but i think we all would agree that "complete" health comes from being mentally, emotionally, physically and i would add spiritually healthy. can we as physicians ignore the role that faith and religion play in our patient's lives? do we need to agree with their choice of religion, or is more important to acknowledge the role that it plays in their lives? should we respect our patients rights to pray and the prayer schedule that they must adhere to? as stated in class, we as physicians don't have a problem asking our patients about their sexual habits yet we won't ask them if they pray...why is that?
A Physician's Prayer
Dear Lord, thou Great Physician, I kneel before Thee. Since every good and perfect gift must come from Thee I pray, give skill to my hand, clear vision to my mind, kindness and sympathy to my heart.
Give me singleness of purpose, strength to lift at least a part of the burden of my suffering fellowmen and a true realization of the privilege that is mine.
Take from my heart all Guile and Worldliness that with the simple faith of a child I may rely on Thee.
AT Still
1 comment:
Your prayer pretty much says it all. If God is the greatest physician of all, then why not ask Him for His love, presence, guidance, and comfort? Not only as patients, but also as those chosen to provide care. All things come from God. Why not turn to Him?
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