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 21-25, 2008 and August 11-15, 2008. Each course will focus on how to conduct research on religion, spirituality and health, and how to develop an academic career in this area. Leading religion-health researchers from Duke, University of North Carolina, University of South Carolina, 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:
- 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 conducting scientific research
or academic work in this area, regardless of level of training.
Established researchers, new investigators, and students are welcome,
including those in medicine, nursing, psychology, sociology, chaplaincy,
theology, pastoral counseling, public health, or other related
disciplines. Basic and advanced materials will be presented, depending
on the needs of participants. The courses will take place in Durham,
North Carolina, during the summer of 2008 as noted above. For those with
serious financial hardships, a limited number of
scholarships are available through the support of the John Templeton
Foundation, but they are highly 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 21-25, 2008 Summer Research Workshop (PDF)
Aug 11-15, 2008 Summer Research Workshop (PDF)
Recommended Reading for Research Workshops (PDF)
