Arts in Medicine to Host Discussion on Spiritual Beliefs in Patient Care
Posted on November 4, 2026
The Whiddon College of Medicine Arts in Medicine Interest Group will host a discussion on navigating conversations about spirituality and religious beliefs in health care on Wednesday, Nov. 11, from noon to 1 p.m. in Room 222A of the Biomedical Library.
Titled “Praying for a Miracle: How to Talk with Patients and Families When Spiritual Beliefs Become Part of the Conversation,” the session will feature Chaplain Kim Crawford Meeks, director of Spiritual Health and Counseling for USA Health.
Spiritual and religious beliefs can play an important role in patients’ and families’ health care decisions, sometimes creating uncertainty or communication challenges for providers. During the discussion, Meeks will offer insights into how health care professionals can work collaboratively with patients and families to acknowledge their spiritual needs while upholding professional responsibilities and supporting appropriate patient care.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize the meaningful role chaplains can play in compassionate care of patients and families.
- Describe several ways in which chaplains may serve to mitigate apparent or growing conflict among patients, families and/or providers.
- Describe communications strategies that respectfully acknowledge the spiritual needs of patients and families – integrating these meaningfully into decision making – while also supporting providers in their professional obligations to optimize patient care.
- Identify key ways chaplains can support provider wellbeing.
Food will be provided. USA Health clinicians are eligible to receive 1 CME/CEU credit for attending.
Those unable to attend in person may participate virtually via Zoom.
