Observations about Holistic Care from the Experience of a Medical Student Shadowing a Chaplain

Abstract

The project was initiated when a medical student expressed interest in shadowing a chaplain during their third-year clinical rotations. The Hospital Library Service supported this inquiry by providing readings about intentional programs and a medical practitioner spiritual screening for both the chaplain and student to review. By coordinating with the student’s medical supervision, different times were found throughout the day such that a variety of pastoral care instances could be observed. As part of the welcome extended to each patient, the chaplain introduced the medical student and obtained consent for them to be present during the care conversations that followed. These visits occurred over two months in the spring of 2024. This experience provided an opportunity for both the chaplain and student to reflect on the process of acknowledging, confirming, affirming, and encouraging patients and their families. Additionally, through these visits and subsequent conversations, a holistic health and wellness model was used to emphasize compassionate and spiritual patient care.