In Fall 2017, an inter-professional team consisting of faculty from Pharmacy, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Social work, Physical Therapy, Public Health and a staff member from University Ministries designed and delivered an event addressing how personal spirituality can influence interactions with patients. Student feedback from the event was positive overall, with suggestions to provide additional events addressing spirituality, add perspectives from other health professions and lengthen the event to allow for more questions and discussion. Faculty added that including an alumni panel might be of additional interest to students and placing students at tables rather than rows of seats might further facilitate group discussions.

In response to student feedback, a second inter-professional faith event was designed and delivered in February 2018. The event, “Faith and Healthcare: A Panel Discussion and Conversation on Moral Dilemmas,” was offered in the evening and allowed time for group discussion. The panel consisted of a registered nurse, physical therapist and pharmacist–all Belmont University alumni. Panel discussions included conversations surrounding religious ethics, diversity and inclusion and faith expression in professional environments.

More than 40 students attended the event representing a variety of majors including pharmacy, OT, PT, nursing, social work, music business, film and psychology. Participant feedback indicated that the event enhanced professional knowledge/skill and allowed them to feel more comfortable expressing their faith while at work.