Medical Sciences

Medical Sciences

The ancient Roman maxim Mens sana in corpore sano (a healthy mind in a healthy body) recognizes the integrated nature of spiritual and physical well-being. Nobody today disputes that serenity of disposition is promoted by freedom from illness. But the corollary notion—that the interior spirituality of an individual may significantly affect his or her physical health—is more controversial. The Foundation has supported a range of research initiatives to provide rigorous scientific testing of this hypothesis, including the widely influential work of Dr. Harold Koenig at Duke University Medical Center. The most notable, practical contributions have come from Dr. Christina Puchalski and her team at
the George Washington University Institute for Spirituality and Health, who have engaged both patients and healthcare professionals
across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The Foundation also continues to support the work of the multi-faith HealthCare Chaplaincy, based in New York City, an organization
that has revolutionized the profession by offering more effective
support and training to chaplains caring for the sick and their dependents. For more information about grants in the Medical Sciences, please visit www.templeton.org/funding_areas.


Partnerships for Change Religion, Spirituality and Health George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health	The ancient Roman maxim Mens sana in corpore sano (a healthy mind in a healthy body) recognizes the integrated nature of spiritual and physical well-being. Nobody today disputes that serenity of disposition is promoted by freedom from illness. But the corollary notion—that the interior spirituality of an individual may significantly affect his or her physical health—is more controversial. The Foundation has supported a range of research initiatives to provide rigorous scientific testing of this hypothesis, including the widely influential work of Dr. Harold Koenig at Duke University Medical Center. The most notable, practical contributions have come from Dr. Christina Puchalski and her team at the George Washington University Institute for Spirituality and Health, who have engaged both patients and healthcare professionals across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The Foundation also continues to support the work of the multi-faith HealthCare Chaplaincy, based in New York City, an organization that has revolutionized the profession by offering more effective support and training to chaplains caring for the sick and their dependents. For more information about grants in the Medical Sciences, please visit www.templeton.org/funding_areas.