5-day Summer Research Courses on Spirituality, Theology and Health
General Information
The Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health at Duke University Medical Center will be hosting two 5-day summer research courses on July 20-24, 2009 and August 17-21, 2009. Each course will focus on how to conduct research on religion, spirituality and health, and how to develop an academic career in this area, and compresses training material that is usually taught over our 1-year post-doctoral fellowship. Leading religion-health researchers from Duke and elsewhere will give presentations. There will also be time to discuss individual research projects with them. Participants will each have 30 minutes one-on-one with Dr. Koenig and 30 minutes with another mentor of their choice (early registration will assure one of these mentorship spots). Includes limited mentorship by Dr. Koenig to assist in implementation of research at participant’s home institution. Anticipated faculty for the course are Keith G. Meador (theology, psychiatry, medicine), Dan G. Blazer (psychiatry, epidemiology), Redford Williams (behavioral medicine), Dana E. King (family medicine and epidemiology), Harold G. Koenig (psychiatry, medicine, nursing), and Verna Benner Carson (nursing, mental health, provider spirituality). Topics that will be covered include:
- Resources for learning more about spirituality and health
- Previous research on religion, spirituality and health
- Strengths and weaknesses of previous research
- Applying findings to clinical practice
- Spirituality of the health care provider
- Theological considerations and concerns
- Highest priority studies for future research
- Strengths and weaknesses of religion/spirituality measures
- Designing different types of research projects
- Qualitative research
- Carrying out and managing a research project
- Writing a grant to NIH or private foundations
- Where to obtain funding for research in this area
- Writing a research paper for publication; getting it published
- Presenting research to professional and public audiences
- Working with the media
- Developing research and academic careers in this area
The courses are open to all interested in learning about or conducting
scientific research or academic work in this area, regardless of level
of training. This workshop is specifically designed for established
researchers, new investigators, and graduate students, including those
in medicine, nursing, psychology, sociology, chaplaincy, theology,
pastoral counseling, public health, or other related disciplines.
Non-researchers including interested laypersons and clergy are also
welcome. Basic and advanced materials will be presented, depending on
the needs of participants. The courses will take place in Durham, North
Carolina, at a location about 5 miles from Duke campus. For those with
serious financial hardships, a limited number of
scholarships are available through the support of the John Templeton
Foundation, but they are competitive. For more information about these
workshops, contact Dr. Koenig at e-mail:koenig@geri.duke.edu.
CME/CEU Information
If desired, psychologists, physicians, nurses, chaplains, social
workers,and other health professionals will receive a certificate
indicating that this activity is equivalent to 32.5 hours of credit,
although the participant will have to obtain approval from their local
institution or national certifying body for these credits.
Course Faculty
- Dan G. Blazer
- Verna Carson
- Timothy Daaleman
- Dana E. King
- Harold G. Koenig
- Keith G. Meador
- Redford Williams
Tentative Schedule and Curriculum
July 20-24, 2009 Summer Research Workshop (PDF)
Aug 17-21, 2009 Summer Research Workshop (PDF)
Recommended Reading for Research Workshops (PDF)
