Wednesday, October 9, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
RSVP here by September 27
On Wednesday October 9, Science Writers in New York invites you to join us for a conversation with SWINY chair David Levine (@dlloydlevine) and Robert Klitzman, MD, (@RobertKlitzman), professor of psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and director of the Master of Science in Bioethics Program at Columbia University. He will discuss his new book Doctor, Will You Pray for Me?: Medicine, Chaplains, and Healing the Whole Person (Oxford University Press, September 2024).
According to Dr. Klitzman, most Americans will die in hospitals or nursing homes, and face existential and spiritual quandaries. Many of their prior religious and spiritual beliefs will fall short, and chaplains will often be the ones to assist, partly by reframing narratives and understandings of illness and spirituality. Yet people often know little, if anything, about these professionals. Dr. Klitzman presents stories about the spiritual lives of patients and explores the role of chaplains – who they are, what they do and the challenges they face. He notes that physicians and other clinical staff are frequently uncomfortable with these issues, and chaplains have been filling the void, developing valuable approaches and insights. In his book he:
- Explores personal stories of illness, death, and dying from the perspective of patient and their families, and from medical professionals
- Illuminates the vital role that Chaplains play in hospitals for a generally under-informed public
- Offers a path forward for chaplains, healthcare providers, and patients and their families to address illness and spirituality more fully and effectively in their own lives and the lives of others
About Robert Klitzman
Robert Klitzman, MD, is a professor of psychiatry at the College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Joseph Mailman School of Public Health, and the Program Director of the Master of Science in Bioethics at Columbia University. He co-founded and for five years co-directed the Columbia University Center for Bioethics and directed the Ethics and Policy Core of the HIV Center for 10 years.
He has published over 180 scientific journal articles, nine books, and numerous chapters on critical issues in bioethics including genetics, neuroethics, HIV prevention, research ethics, and doctor-patient relationships.
Klitzman has received numerous awards for his work, including fellowships from the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation, the Russell Sage Foundation, the Commonwealth Fund, the Aaron Diamond Foundation, and the Rockefeller Foundation. He is a member of the Empire State Stem Cell Commission and served on the U.S. Department of Defense’s Research Ethics Advisory Panel. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and a regular contributor to the New York Times and CNN.
Do you have a question for Dr. Klitzman?
Submit it here.
When:
Wednesday, October 9th
6:30 to 8 p.m.
Refreshments will be provided.
Dr. Klitzman’s book will be available for purchase at a discount ($20 at the event, $35 on Amazon) and he will be available to sign copies. Please support our authors by buying their books.
Where:
The home of Chip and Susan Fisher
1060 5th Avenue (on the northeast corner at 87th Street)
Admission:
2024 SWINY/NASW Members: $10
Non-member: $15
Save money by joining SWINY
Space is limited. Please RSVP by Friday, September 27.
