Saturday, July 25, 1998

Doctor sees connection between spiritual, psychological and physical health

By LORETTA FULTON Senior Staff Writer

A case of Christian-oriented Focus on the Family literature disappears from Dr. Rob Wiley's office sometimes faster than a case of measles.

The Abilene pediatrician sees between 40 and 50 children a day, and he is a firm believer in the connection between spiritual, psychological, and physical health.

He doesn't preach to his patients or their parents, but he will pray with them if they like.

"Most families are very receptive to that," he said.

Research gathered for more than 10 years at university hospitals such as Duke, Georgetown, Yale and Dartmouth suggest that people of deep religious faith whose spirituality is a vital part of their lives get sick less often and get well quicker.

Wiley isn't surprised. A graduate of Hardin-Simmons University, member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, and a participant in Bible Study Fellowship, Wiley is among many physicians who understand the value of faith as a part of a person's total health.

In times of crisis, Wiley will often suggest to the family that they all pray together. Many times they are taken off guard, but are pleased that the doctor asked.

"Most families are very receptive to that," Wiley said. "I think it's a comfort to them not to bear all the pressure of a decision alone."

Some of the children Wiley treats come from dysfunctional families where faith is a missing ingredient. It is those people who need to realize that medications won't fix everything, he said.

For that reason, he keeps Focus on the Family literature in his examination rooms.

"We go through it rapidly," he said. "I'm having to order larger amounts each time."

Wiley knows that the parents of many of his patients will turn to him for recommendations about family problems, and that's an opportunity for him to share his faith values.

"We're not just here to treat their cold and send them on their way," he said.

Some doctors go even further than Wiley and have signs in their exam rooms telling patients they will pray with them if asked. Wiley's style isn't quite as aggressive, but the message is the same.

"I hope my actions speak louder than what my words are saying," he said.

It wouldn't be hard to find a physician in Abilene who shares Wiley's views, he said, but in other places it might be harder.

"In Abilene many physicians feel faith is an integral part in caring for their patients," Wiley said. But in many places "it's not a topic of discussion," he said.

Even though some physicians may not express their faith overtly to their patients, it can be shown in other ways.

"Sometimes the best thing is just hugging them and letting them know you're there," Wiley said.