Study Shows More Doctors Mix Faith & Medicine

Published: April 11, 2007 | 6003rd good news item since 2003

You give them credit when you overcome an illness or disease. But more and more doctors say they don’t deserve all the praise.

A new study conducted by the University of Chicago, shows a majority of American doctors believe God or another supernatural power intervenes in their patient’s health.

Nearly two in five doctors say religion or spirituality can help prevent negative outcomes such as infections, heart attacks and even death.

Dr. Thomas Lavelle, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center says, “I’m surprised it was actually that high. I think I would go along with those numbers and I think a lot of physicians feel that way. There is something beyond us. Taking care of patients we treat, God heals, and physicians who feel they’re healing people, that’s not correct.”

The nationwide study of 2,000 physicians also shows 85-percent of doctors believe the influence of religion and spirituality is generally positive.

The power of prayer – does it really have a healing effect?

Praying over her husband Niles, it’s where you’ll find Linda Stickler on a daily basis.

Linda DeHahn, Chaplain says, “We know how much you’ve been with Niles.”

Niles continues to fight for his life after complications from open heart surgery.

Linda Stickler says, “People that don’t even know him are praying for him.”

And Stickler believes those prayers are helping her husband heal.

Linda Stickler says, “We wouldn’t have made it this far if we didn’t have our faith.”

Patients and their families aren’t the only ones relying on that faith.

Dr. Thomas Lavelle says, “It helps us immensely in caring for people who are very very ill and have to face a lot.”

Dr. Thomas Lavelle found himself having many conversations with God during his 28 years as a physician.

Dr. Thomas Lavelle says, “There’s an old expression physicians treat and God heals.”

He’s seen some of the sickest make amazing turn arounds.

Dr. Lavelle says, “There are a lot of things in medicine we cannot explain.”

Linda DeHahn, Chaplain says, “The mystery of God is at work and I see it everyday.”

DeHahn, a Chaplain at St. Joe Regional says even those who don’t have a religion lean on her.

Linda DeHahn says, “This we pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.”

She recalls an open heart surgery patient whom she prayed with before he went in.

Linda DeHahn says, “By the time he went to surgery he was feeling much more relaxed and so was the family. I think it played a big part in the good outcome that came for him.”

It’s the same positive outcome Linda Stickler knows her husband will experience. Until that happens.. she’ll call upon her spirituality for strength.

Linda Stickler says, “He said God would take care of him and he has.”

Linda DeHahn, Chaplain says, “We were grateful for the healing that has happened.”

Now some critics say religion and spirituality can actually give some patients a false sense of hope. 45% of doctors say religion and spirituality can cause guilt or other negative emotions that could lead to an increase in patient suffering.

Dr. Lavelle says there is some validity to that argument, especially if a person is just going to rely on prayer to treat their illness.

Published in Faith and Science & Technology
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