Advanced Training for Clergy in Psychological Oncology: Program Objectives, Curriculum, and Evaluation

AbstractThe incidence of cancer in the United States has risen dramatically over the past twenty years. The personal crisis caused by this disease points to a need to better train clergy in ministering to the spiritual and psychological needs of patients and families. This paper describes a five day residential workshop in psychological oncology sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center. The program builds upon the American Cancer Society Basic training program for clergy in care of the cancer patient. We discuss the rationale, objectives, curriculum organization and evaluation of the training experience by participants.