As medical students, we are taught during Doctoring to obtain a detailed history from a patient in an appropriate amount of time. Alongside the medical history questions, we inquire about occupation, highest degree, diet, and spiritual beliefs that could affect care. As future physicians we are taught to learn about the beliefs of all of our patients and to assist them in making medical decisions that align with their spiritual beliefs. In order to do this, we must not only learn about the beliefs of others but also develop the compassion and understanding necessary to aid our patients. These skills are not always easy to acquire as a medical student. Alongside my training in medical school, I look to my religion to guide me in my practice of medicine.
My faith has made a large impact on my decision to study medicine as well as how I see myself practicing medicine in the future. I am a member of the Baha’i faith, a worldwide religion that was founded in the late 1800s by Baha’u’llah, who promoted beliefs such as the oneness of God and religion, the elimination of prejudice, the inherent nobility of the human being, the importance of education and service to humanity, and much more. Sharing the motivation of many medical students, I fell in love with medicine because of my interest in medical concepts as well as a hope to connect with and help others. As a Baha’i, I feel that my profession is not a simple 9-to-5 or 7-to-5 commitment but a commitment to serving those around me that transforms into spiritual practice. When work is performed in an attitude of service, it is seen as worship in the Baha’i faith.
Abdu’l-Baha, a central figure in the Baha’i faith says, “ . . . all effort and exertion put forth by man from the fullness of his heart is worship, if it is prompted by the highest motives and the will to do service to humanity. This is worship: to serve mankind and to minister to the needs of the people. Service is prayer. A physician ministering to the sick, gently, tenderly, free from prejudice and believing in the solidarity of the human race, he is giving praise” [1].
In regards to the Baha’i beliefs of the elimination of prejudice and inherent nobility of the human being, these teachings drive me to maintain a humble attitude towards those I work with and those I help to treat. As a third-year medical student, I often have encountered unruly, ignorant, and bitter patients. Conversely, I have met positive, thankful, and encouraging patients. It can be difficult to maintain an equal attitude of respect with the more difficult patients. It is even harder to think of said patients with kindness and consideration. The Baha’i faith inspires me to work for this attitude of patience and love. My beliefs make me open to talking to my patients about their spiritual beliefs and even joining them in prayer. On one rare occasion, I was privileged enough to be in the room holding hands with family members while my patient’s mother read from the Bible. These close connections with patients are what drive me to push past the hard days, the long hours, and the unfavorable outcomes.
- Abdu’l-Baha, Paris Talks, pp. 176-177
Nura Sobhanian is a medical student at The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, Class of 2018. She is originally from San Clemente, California, and is currently interested in pursuing a career in OB/Gyn. She likes to rock a pair of Rainbow sandals in her free time, and you can find her with a book at any local coffee shop in metro Phoenix.