I agree with the posters that say it wouldn’t hurt for you to join in with the family. I like what other people (in particular oldscratch) has said, tell them that you will participate in a moment of silence with them, but you won’t start beating your breast and wailing “O great Invisible Pink Unicorn, please spare this sinner from your wrath!” while doing the chicken dance (or insert other denominational ritual here.)
Another point that I don’t think anyone has mentioned yet: as a doctor, one is in the service industry, and so it would be good public relations to participate with the family. For example, I’m an atheist, nonetheless if I had a hot dog stand on the boardwalk I would realize that it would be “bad business” for me to post a big sign on my cart saying “Pat Robertson and Rev. Fred Phelps can kiss my lily-white patootie.”
I was thinking more along the lines of bowing my head, perhaps joining hands if they want. I would be comfortable doing that, and I think it would be the respectful thing to do. However, I could also see it as being disrespectful, since I’m acting like I’m joining them in talking to a God that I don’t even believe in.
I don’t think it’s an inappropriate thing for the family to do at all. I would personally feel honored if a patient or family asked me to join them in prayer, since I value the doctor-patient relationship. I just wouldn’t want to jeapordize that relationship by being dishonest about my religious beliefs–or, for that matter, by being too honest.
I suppose it is different. I don’t see it as being anything more then a placebo. But not praying with the patient could raise stress levels and have a negative affect. So even though I think religion is irrational and silly I’d still suck it up and pray with the patient. All I gotta do is bow my head and observe a moment of silence.
What about the arena of mental health when a patient’s delusions may be of a reliious nature? Most hospitals have a non-denominational chaplain available for those patients who desire one or their personal religious leader can visit them. Faith in whatever is a personal thing and does not require the endorsement of your caregiver. Mixing medicine and religion provides too many opportunities for the care giver to inflict their personal beliefs on their patient.
yes, bow your head, with a respectful silence. “Going over your grocery list” in your head is not respectful, however, even if they can’t hear you. How about the Hippocratic oath? Or the Pledge of allegance? And, being a doctor, you know that if the patient WANTs to be well, and THINKS they are going to get well, half the job is done. So, this is almost as important as the right prescription.
And, just maybe, you are an atheist because you have not found the RIGHT faith for you. Some turn away from religion as they do not like their old faith. But religion is sorta like shoes, the wrong fit and you will be uncomfortable, even if your “soul” is protected. (Sorry )
Actually, an interesting point: All the hospitals I’ve rotated through (even the county- and federally-owned ones), the chaplain wears a “code pager”, which goes off during a code blue. Often, he was one of the first to arrive.
I am also in medical school in the South. If a patient wants to pray near/with me, I would shut my trap even though I’m a virtually nonpracticing Jew. For someone in their most sensitive hour, any perception of nonunity can be most damaging to the patient and his family.
That’s interesting. Our on-call chaplain is not one of the individuals that we notify in the event of a code blue. No real point here–I just found that interesting.
Also, in my experiences, a “non-denominational” chaplain is still a Christian chaplain.
I’m with Polycarp and MGibson. If lying has a remote chance of helping the patient or just making them feel better, I’d lie quite happily about my religious beliefs, the effectiveness of witch hazel or just about anything else.
You can always disillusion them if/when they get better, if you really must.
I think you’ll find this a rare occurance. The vast majority of patients and their families have too much on their plate to have much interest in your religious practices (although, in my experience, the clergypersons tend to be more inquisitive). As for those rare instances when someone does probe a bit, you’ll learn to gently and respectfully deflect those questions. It’s a skill you’ll learn, just like floating a swan or putting in a chest tube. The mere fact that you are even considering this question leaves me no doubt that you’ll handle it just fine.
Just had a mental image of a fire-and-brimstone preacher rushing in, placing hands on chest in the defib position, and yelling “CLEAR”
)