Health Care in the Christian Tradition:
Seminars in Rome

Scholars increasingly underscore evidence that early Christians were distinctive in the way they cared for the sick.  They faced epidemics with courage, solidarity and substantial assistance to the poor.  Their concern for one another during times of infirmity lead to a new sense of community and egalitarianism in a society otherwise noted for its social stratification.  Gospel values infused health care within Christianity and eventually led to the erection of hospitals and associations that continue today.

The Roman Catholic Church has a long history of both sponsoring health care institutions and elaborating ethical principles that safeguard the dignity and care of patients. 

Illume hosts educational seminars in Rome for health care professionals, health care administrators and students in nursing programs and medical school.   These seminars provide an invaluable orientation to the history of health care in the Christian tradition through formal seminar sessions, on-site visits to historical sites, and opportunities to meet with local professionals for dialogue and exchange.

Program Objectives

Christian Health Care in its Historical Context

Rome is unparalleled in its preservation of early Christian sites.  These sites are situated along side some of the most important ancient Roman monuments still in existence.  Rome affords a unique window into the historical and cultural context of early Christian life, bringing to life the emergence of a distinctive approach to illness and care for the sick.

Catholic Health Care Ethics in Perspective

The Roman Catholic Church has a long history of integrating Gospel values with reason and natural law to elaborate comprehensive ethical principles. Rome is an ideal context for exploring and understanding the institutions and perspectives that inform its ethical traditions.

Contemporary Ethical Issues

Many contemporary biomedical issues are at the forefront of discussions in Italy about the relationship between Roman Catholic ethics and pluralistic societies (end-of-life decisions, reproductive technologies, informed consent, and biomedical research).  Meetings with local professionals and organizations fosters dialogue and exchanges around these issues.

Venues

Venues in Rome include the historic Ospedale Santo Spirito (and its museum of medical arts), the Hospital of the Fatebenefratelli, early Christian diaconie (charitable centers), the Roman Forum and Basilica of SanClemente. There are historical sites outside Rome - suitable for day-excursions - that showcase Roman Catholic commitment to care for the infirm.  Of course, Rome includes important institutions associated with the Roman Catholic Church – including St. Peter’s, the Vatican and Vatican Museums/Library, great historical universities, and religious orders historically associated with health care.

Resources

Illume has a portfolio of Catholic ethicists we engage to lead seminars and conduct presentations.  Each seminar includes a bi-lingual seminar manager, formal meetings, historical visits and cultural activities.  Our in-house scholar is available to assist in the development of programs around your institutional profile, mission and objectives.

Groups

Seminars are hosted for continuing education of health care professionals, meetings for Catholic health care administrators, faculty in Catholic schools of nursing/health care sciences, and for students in nursing programs, medical school, and health sciences and administration.