Spirituality/Medicine Interface Project

"You just do your part. God will do the rest.": Spirituality and Culture in the Medical Encounter

Authors: Kimberly S. Johnson, MD, MHS

Abstract

Mrs. Bennett is a 58-year-old African-American female with metastatic cervical cancer, diagnosed two years ago. She initially underwent radical hysterectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She did well until six months ago when liver metastases were detected. She then entered a Phase II clinical trial, but the cancer continued to progress. She is now hospitalized with a bowel obstruction from peritoneal carcinomatosis. Dr. Martin, a Caucasian male, talks to her about her prognosis and suggests hospice. Mrs. Bennett responds, "I don't want to discuss hospice. You just do your part. God will do the rest."

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