Future physicians at the University of Alabama at Birmingham are exploring— through a unique course — how personal values, beliefs and spirituality can influence patient care.

Led by James Garber Galbraith Endowed Chair of Neurosurgery James Markert, M.D., MPH, the “Spirituality and Medicine” course is offered to students in the Heersink School of Medicine. The course emphasizes the importance of providing patient-centered care, engaging in meaningful dialogue and developing sensitivity to the spiritual needs of patients and their families.

Held virtually via Zoom, the course is structured around a week of lectures, discussions and reflections. Rather than focusing on any one belief system, the course provides students with the tools needed to respectfully navigate the wide range of values and backgrounds they may encounter in practice.

In the most recent offering of the course, 19 presenters covered 21 topics that explored how different worldviews and life philosophies can inform a patient’s approach to health and healing. Guest lecturers represented a range of faith traditions and professional backgrounds, both from within UAB and from the wider community.

Students described the course as “inspiring” and “helpful,” and many noted that the lessons would have a lasting impact on their approach to patient care. Some emphasized how the course helped them build the skills needed to foster more compassionate and holistic doctor-patient relationships.

As the medical field continues to embrace the principles of holistic patient care, courses like Spirituality and Medicine underscore UAB’s commitment to preparing students to meet the needs of all patient populations.