Creighton Conference Explores Ways to Respect Religious Traditions in Healthcare

More and more, health care workers are being asked to consider a wider array of cultures and religious traditions when treating patients. The presence of animal products in medicines can also be problematic. These issues and more will be discussed at a Creighton University conference Friday, November 4, 2005, 8:30-Noon at Boys Town National Research Hospital Auditorium, next to Creighton University Medical Center Hospital, 601 N. 30th Street.

The conference will help participants respect and understand the diverse religious beliefs and values of patients. Discussion will include the reasons the manufacturing process of some medications requires the presence of animal products, and some of the available alternatives to these medications.

The event will feature Creighton speakers, S. Pirzada Sattar, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry, Judith L. Kissell, Ph.D., assistant professor for Health Policy and Ethics, Michael Makoid, Ph.D., professor and chair of pharmacy sciences; and Syed Mohiuddin, M.D. professor of medicine and director of the Creighton Cardiac Center. Panelists include Archana Chatterjee, M.D., Ph.D., and Alekha Dash, Ph.D., of Creighton University; Lyn M. Hall, R.N.D., A.P.R.N., Nebraska Medical Center; Rabbi Jonathan Gross, Beth Israel Synagogue; and Saaib Al-Shehadat, M.D., Islamic Center of Omaha.

The event is free and open to the public. Advance registration is not required. For questions about the conference, call (402) 280-2017. Parking for non-Creighton guests is provided in the hospital visitor lot directly north of the emergency ramp. Valet parking is also available.