DALLAS At 83, Carl Smith found himself facing quadruple-bypass surgery and the real possibility that he might not survive.

Within hours on a spring morning, Dr. Mark Pool would temporarily bring Smiths heart to a stop in an attempt to circumvent its blocked passages.

And to help his patient confront the uncertainty, Pool did something unusual in his profession: He prayed with him.

Medicine and religion have both had their day, and they havent always been able to coexist. But as todays medical treatment becomes more holistic, doctors are increasingly taking spirituality into account.

Studies show a majority of patients want their spirituality recognized, and most med schools now have classes related to the topic. In general, the new thinking asks doctors to note their patients spiritual leanings and open doors to expression, especially when life is at risk.

Pool, a highly regarded heart and lung surgeon at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, is fervent about his Baptist faith. For about a year, hes routinely asked patients if theyd like him to pray with them pre-surgery a gesture he says is always appreciated but one that exceeds advocates suggested bounds.

A physician should be open to a patients spirituality but shouldnt push religion on patients, says Nathan Carlin, assistant professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Thats confusing personal and professional roles.

Two decades ago, barely a few med schools offered classes on spirituality. Now, three-fourths of them do.

Medicine has figured out that we ignore the more human sides of health care at our own peril, says Craig Borchardt, interim chair of humanities and medicine at Texas A&M University.

Studies show 60 to 80 percent of patients want their beliefs noted, he says not as affirmation but as a sign that the doctor actually cares. But fewer than 20 percent of doctors bring it up.

Original post:

Spirituality, prayer get greater emphasis in medical care