Spirituality in Medicine:
Reflections of a Bahá'í Physician

by Sharon Nur Hatcher

About: Medical practice and education in the western world are undergoing a process of change and renewal, precipitated by rising costs as well as the complexities of chronic diseases and an aging population. In the context of a decidedly more holistic approach to health and healing, there is increasing interest and discussion in the medical milieu of the role of spirituality in patient care. This paper is a self-reflective piece by a Bahá’í family physician and educator, in which the author shares some of her experiences and challenges with patients, students, and colleagues related to the integration of spirituality into medicine.