Spirituality in psychiatry residency training programs

Spirituality has been receiving increased attention in health care in recen t years. Surveys have identified that patients want their spiritual beliefs addressed in the clinical setting. Data suggests that spirituality may be helpful to people as they cope with serious illness and life events. Medica l educators are recognizing spiritually as a core patient need Courses in m edical schools and in psychiatric residency programs are being developed to address this important issue. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medic al Education (ACGME) guidelines underscore the importance of addressing rel igious/spiritual issues in psychiatric training The John Templeton Spiritua lity and Medicine Award Program administered by George Washington Universit y recognizes psychiatric residency programs that address spirituality and h ealth. This award has stimulated the development of relevant, novel curricu la in this area. In addition, a consensus group of psychiatrists has develo ped a model curriculum that addresses Key concepts of a psychiatric residen cy training programs in spirituality and medicine.