Spirituality and Health Symposium-EM

This interdisciplinary session brings together Dr. Jer Clifton, Senior Research Scientist at the University of Pennsylvania’s Positive Psychology Center, and Dr. Aaron Levy, Director of Health Humanities Initiatives at Penn Medicine, to explore the intersection of psychological science and the health humanities in the context of caregiving and spiritual care. Participants will be introduced to the concept of primal world beliefs—core assumptions about the nature of the world—and their impact on emotional well-being, decision-making, and spiritual resilience. Through empirical research and narrative inquiry, the presenters will demonstrate how these beliefs are reflected in patient stories, artistic expression, and clinical encounters. The session will include interactive components such as reflective exercises and a scientifically validated survey to help participants identify and explore their own primal beliefs, as well as the beliefs of others. This program is designed for chaplains, spiritual care providers, clinicians, and interdisciplinary health professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of whole-person care through the integration of psychological insight and humanistic practice.

1. Articulate the Concept of Primal World Beliefs
2. Explore the Role of Narrative and the Arts in Healing
3. Integrate Interdisciplinary Approaches to Care
4. Foster Collaborative Dialogue Across Disciplines

In support of improving patient care, Penn Medicine is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.  

Designation of Credit
Physicians: Penn Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 3.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Nurses: This program provides 3.00 NCPD Hours.

Physician Assistants: AAPA accepts certificates of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society. PAs may receive a maximum of 3.00 Category 1 credits for completing this activity.

Psychologists: Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibly for the content of the programs. This activity awards up to 3.00 credits for Psychologists.

ASWB: As a Jointly Accredited Organization, Penn Medicine is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. Regulatory boards are Revised January 2025 the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. Social workers completing this course receive 3.00 [general] continuing education credits.