Spirituality Expert to Speak at WesternU
Spirituality may seem like the opposite of science, but physicians are
beginning to take note of studies linking that intangible element with
their patients’ good health. The public can learn more about the subject
on Thursday, September 2, when Christina M. Puchalski, MD, addresses the
issue during lectures at Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU)
in Pomona and Borders bookstore in Montclair.
Dr. Puchalski’s first discussion is entitled “”The Role of Spirituality in
End of Life Care: A Time to Listen and Care.”” It will take place at noon
in Prem Reddy Hall in the Health Professions Center on the WesternU
campus, 309 E. Second St., and is free and open to the public.
“”The idea of addressing spirituality when treating patients fits well with
WesternU’s humanistic emphasis and with the osteopathic approach of total
patient care,”” said Mitchell Kasovac, DO, dean of WesternU’s College of
Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. “”Spirituality is an important part of
the healing process, and an important part in the development of any
health care professional.””
Considered a national expert on the topic, Dr. Puchalski is an assistant
professor in the department of health care science and medicine at George
Washington University’s School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. She is also
the director of clinical research and education at that school’s Center to
Improve Care of the Dying. She serves as director of education for the
National Institute of Healthcare Research, and has been featured on ABC
World News Tonight and in The New York Times, The Washington Post and The
Los Angeles Times.
Dr. Puchalski said that an increasing amount of data shows a correlation
between spirituality and health.
“”Patients are getting more and more dissatisfied with managed care and the
inability to have personal relationships with their doctors, and they are
demanding that physicians spend more time with them focusing on more
aspects than just the physical,”” she said. “”I’m pleased to speak at
WesternU because it’s an osteopathic school, and their philosophy of a
holistic care approach is right in line with these ideas.””
According to an article published April 12 by American Medical News (“”What
is the role of spirituality in medicine?”” by Mark Moran), an increasing
number of doctors believe they have a duty to address their patients’
spiritual lives as well as their physical ailments. The article states
that more than 50 U.S. medical schools offer elective courses in
spirituality.
WesternU’s Dr. Kasovac agrees that the issue is gaining publicity in the
medical field.
“”I think the medical profession is finally giving spirituality its due
recognition,”” he said. “”It makes a lot of sense; it’s an important aspect
of the human race and we need to embrace it as caregivers.””
After her appearance at WesternU, Dr. Puchalski will lead another
discussion at 7 p.m. Thursday, September 2, at Border’s bookstore in
Montclair. The theme of that presentation will be “”Integrating
Spirituality into Healthcare.””
A Southern California native, Dr. Puchalski grew up in Los Angeles,
attended Immaculate Heart High School in Hollywood and Pomona College in
Claremont, and earned a bachelor’s and masters degree from UCLA.
