Abstract

This issue gathers narratives written by health care providers from diverse religious backgrounds about the interplay between their faith and their clinical care. Three strong themes emerge. One is the value of the virtue of humility in providing effective, compassionate care. A second is the need to establish relationships grounded in trust and good communication especially when working in end of life care. The third theme is the importance of moral courage when working with patients who are facing difficult diagnoses and decisions. Spirituality in the clinical encounter can allow for providers and patients to acknowledge the holy in each other.