A long history of spiritual care
UAB Medicine’s history of spiritual care dates back to 1969, when we hired our first chaplain. Since that time, our Spiritual Health team has grown to 40 employees.
Our commitment to spiritual health is reflected in our robust chaplaincy program, which includes a post-master’s clinical pastoral education (CPE) chaplain residency. This yearlong program is accredited by the U.S. Department of Education and has received commendations for quality. In fact, many current St. Vincent’s chaplains are alumni of our CPE program, which highlights our shared heritage of spiritual care excellence.
Comprehensive, inclusive spiritual support
UAB Medicine chaplains are trained professionals who offer spiritual and emotional support to patients, their loved ones, and staff. They are grounded in their own faith traditions but trained to support individuals in connecting with their chosen faith. This inclusive approach helps ensure that all patients receive the spiritual care they need, regardless of their faith background. Our chaplains also serve as liaisons between patients and their faith group leaders when specific religious rituals are requested.
Catholic priests regularly visit their parishioners at UAB Medicine. For urgent Catholic spiritual care – such as providing the Sacrament of the Sick – our chaplains work closely with Neal Kay, M.D., a retired UAB Medicine cardiologist and ordained Catholic deacon. Dr. Kay is assigned by the Diocese of Birmingham to help patients and their families connect with the “on-call” priest. This process is highly responsive and dependable, and it helps ensure that Catholic patients receive timely spiritual care.
Commitment to quality and availability
UAB Medicine’s chaplains are available 24/7 to provide emotional and spiritual support. They have over 45,000 direct contacts with patients annually, in addition to providing support for families and employees. An impressive 91% of requests are fulfilled within 24 hours.
As we move forward together, we are committed to maintaining and strengthening the spiritual care that St. Vincent’s patients and staff have come to expect. We look forward to working together and continuing this journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive spiritual care to all.