Location: Anderson, South Carolina

Duration: 4 weeks

Course Offered: Throughout academic year

Number of Students: 1 to 2 per rotation

Students Report To: Please call Dr. Woodall or Dr. Sprague  prior to the first day of the rotation (864) 512-2293.

*USC SOM  Third Year Elective 

This elective uses directed readings, audiovisual media, clinical preceptorships, individual study, and faculty mentoring to explore the relationship between religion and clinical medicine.  Students of all (or no) religious traditions are welcome.   Individual learning contracts allow students to choose among activities such as journalizing, precepting with experienced faculty, independent study projects, and writing assignments.  Issues addressed during the elective include spiritual aspects of health and illness, appropriate use of religion and spiritual insights in medical practice, holistic and respectful approaches to patient care, and referrals and other resources to assist physicians in spiritual care.  The faculty, while affirming their own religious traditions, welcome insights and contributions from all who are interested in the topic.

Course Objectives:

Students who successfully complete the course will be able to:
1.  Describe and interpret spiritual aspects of health and illness.
2.  Describe and practice methods for gaining insight into the religious and spiritual issues of importance to their patients, particularly as they apply to health, illness, and treatment.
3.  Describe and use strategies for incorporating these religious and spiritual insights into everyday medical practice.
4.  Understand and practice appropriate use of referrals and other resources available to physicians for assistance in spiritual care of patients.