Article Rewind: Revisiting SMJ’s Spirituality and Medicine Article Collection

Faith and healing have long been intertwined, and the Southern Medical Journal has a tradition of publishing articles that explore how spirituality and medicine intersect. Over the years, a special series of manuscripts, reviews, and editorials has highlighted the ways in which patients’ beliefs can shape their experiences of illness, recovery, and care. These pieces emphasize that while science and evidence-based medicine remain central, physicians and health care professionals should also recognize the important role of spirituality in the lives of their patients. By drawing on diverse perspectives—from physicians to chaplains—the articles underscore the value of approaching health holistically, with sensitivity to both the physical and spiritual dimensions of care. As part of our Article Rewind collection, we’re revisiting these impactful papers.

Click here to sign in and access the articles—SMA members can read them for free, while non-members may purchase individual articles for $25 or an annual online subscription for $75.