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I was talking with Derek Helton when he had six more days of medical school left before graduation. He made several valuable points about how he talks to his patients. By listening to patients,he can quickly tell if the patient has a religious support system. He listens for a sense of self worth,sources of strength,and general support systems. Depending upon what he heard as he took the History of Present Illness and Past Medical History, he often asks patients what supported them as they dealt with what they endured. Then he suggests several possible answers—family, personal strength, God, medical care. (This list could be expanded,depending upon the patient and his/her background.) With this information,Derek inquires further or attempts to identify the nature of spiritual support from God. He may ask questions such as "Do you pray? Does this help?" Or even "What do you pray about?" Many patients indicate that they used to pray or trust God, but that more recently they have not related to God. Often this is due to some "disappointment" with God. Some just got too busy and didn't take the time for God. Depending upon whether or not the patient senses support from God,Derek will often share some of his own story about how God helped him in a situation, often one similar to what the patient is facing. He usually goes on to explain how a healthy spiritual life helps a person cope with illness and emotional burdens. Because many patients seek "pills" to help them cope, he explains that drugs only suppress symptoms and that while medication often gives temporary relief, it can not fix the problem. Then he explains that the "standard of care" is to give them certain drugs, which he is happy to do, but he would also like to see them deal with their spiritual issues. Depending upon the patient and the needs Derek perceives, he may begin explaining the gospel in a conversational manner, showing its relevance to the patient's problems. As they converse, Derek asks the patient if he can pray. Permission is almost always given, so he asks God to hold the patient in His arms and assure him of His presence. Often Derek will further explain the gospel. A the end of the session, Derek often gives patients a copy of Would You Like to Know God Personally? He explains that the booklet covers what they had talked about. For those in practice,this process may seem a bit long, however I believe that it can be easily modified. I isn't necessary to get through the whole gospel with all patients. We are searching for the patients with whom the Holy Spirit is working. How can we identify patients being wooed by the Holy Spirit? These are people who have an interest in God,are drawn toward Him,and may be actively seeking Him. Some may be angry and fighting truth. Many physicians give patients resources such as Would You Like to Know God Personally? or the JESUS video. This is followed with, "I would like to discuss this further with you at your next visit." The offer is charted so that appropriate follow-up occurs. As a student, Derek has found that it works better if he prays with his patient before being chiefed by he attending (senior) doctor. That intrusion seems to alter the ambience. Praying for a patient creates a powerful bond that most patients interpret as, "This doctor really cares about me." I strengthens patients' attitudes and their desire for a strengthened spiritual life. At the first clinic visit,we seek to learn where patients are spiritually and possibly to plant a seed. On subsequent visits,we water,fertilize, cultivate, and pull weeds. We pray for patients, asking God to help His seed to grow and for wisdom to know how to proceed. Our task is the simple part. We simply do what God asks us to do. He does the hard part. He causes seed to grow and become fruitful. Remember,He did it in your life so He can easily do it in the life of your patients.
Contact Dr. Elder at: helder@GoMETS.org. |
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