We think of spirituality in a fairly broad and inclusive way. I often refer
to Everett Koop's definition of spirituality from a conference he gave here
a number of years ago: "the vital center of a person, that which is held
sacred." For some patients (and any of the rest of us), "the vital center"
and "sacredness" are framed in religious language and draw from particular
religious traditions, and for others of them and us, they are framed in
other ways.

As we work with residents to understand the vital center for their patients
and explore how this may relate to their patients' lives (where they find
meaning, purpose and dignity, how they make health care decisions, how they
make changes), we often hear comments like "this reminds me of why I became
a doctor." When residents have conversations with people at the level of
what their life is about and what really matters to them, I think there is
often a feeling of awe or reverence that reminds them of the privilege and
calling of being a physician.

The downside is "this is great stuff, but I don't have time to have
conversations like this." For us as educators, I think this is really a
central challenge about spirituality... how to avoid having it be seen as an
elective or peripheral nicety that just doesn't fit in the real world of
clinical family medicine. Might be a good topic to explore on the
listserve.

Frederic C. Craigie, PhD
Maine-Dartmouth Family Practice Residency




DISCLAIMER:

This communication (including all attachments) is intended solely for the
use of the person or persons to whom it is addressed and should be treated
as a confidential MaineGeneral Health communication. If you are not the
intended recipient, any use, distribution, printing, or copying of this
email is strictly prohibited. If you received this email in error, please
immediately delete it from your system and notify the originator. Your
cooperation is appreciated. Thank you.