Please join Hawa Abu, MD PhD MPH Assistant Professor, Geriatric Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School /UMass Memorial Health and Fr. John, Priest/Chaplain, UMass Memorial as they lead a compelling conversation on the complex ways faith, spirituality, and religious identity intersect with patient care in our healthcare system. Drawing insights from their experience, this session will explore how lived experiences of patients whose faith traditions shape their health decisions can illuminate a population frequently overlooked within mainstream healthcare and medical education. We will examine how a lack of cultural humility and spiritual awareness can influence patient trust, provider attitudes, and long‑term health outcomes. We will also consider how centering faith‑informed narratives can enrich clinical training and foster healing environments that honor the diverse belief systems patients bring to their care. Through a lens of equity and person‑centered practice, our presenters will discuss strategies for advancing dignity, compassion, and justice in medicine. Participants will be invited to reflect on how elevating these lived experiences can promote a more inclusive, respectful, and responsive medical landscape for all. All are welcome!
Calendar
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Centering the Margins: Navigating Faith, Spirituality and Religious Identity in Healthcare
Location: Virtual
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Event Description
Register to attend: https://umassmed.zoom.us/meeting/register/IujhQZ9DRoWvMDB8tocHxg#/registration