How University Medical Center Integrates Faith and Inclusivity into Palliative Care

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. At University Medical Center New Orleans, Palliative Care extends beyond medicine to embrace the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Under the leadership of Sonia Malhotra, MD, the hospital’s Palliative Care Program fosters an environment of inclusivity, honoring each patient’s unique faith, culture, and values.

A cancer patient asks to hold a rosary before treatment.
A mother quietly hums a gospel hymn beside her son’s hospital bed.
A family gathers around their loved one to recite a familiar prayer in their native language.
A patient joins hands as a rabbi offers a brief Mi Shebeirach, the Jewish prayer for healing.

These moments—intimate, deeply human, and rooted in faith—are an important part of healing for many patients and families facing serious illness. At University Medical Center, spirituality isn’t separate from care; it’s a vital thread woven into every stage of the palliative care journey.

Spirituality as Part of Whole-Person Care

For Sonia Malhotra, MD, medical director of the Palliative Care Program at University Medical Center, caring for patients with serious illness extends far beyond medical treatment.

“Palliative Care is about attending to whole-person care,” Dr. Malhotra explained. “We think through people as a whole—their families, their home situations, and their beliefs. One very important aspect of that is people’s spirituality and religion, and what role that plays in decision-making.”

From the moment a patient is referred to the Palliative Care team, conversations often include questions about faith, coping, and meaning. The team routinely explores each patient’s spiritual beliefs and how those beliefs influence their healthcare decisions.

These discussions help clinicians understand what matters most to patients and families, whether that means prayer before surgery, guidance from a faith leader, or simply the reassurance that their beliefs are acknowledged and respected.

The Chaplain’s Role in Whole-Person Care

At University Medical Center, the chaplain plays an essential role on the Palliative Care team, offering comfort and perspective when patients and families need it most. The chaplain collaborates closely with physicians, social workers, and nurse navigators to ensure that each patient’s spiritual preferences are honored throughout their care journey. This partnership allows the team to address not only a patient’s physical pain but also their spiritual well-being, a vital aspect of healing that provides peace and meaning even amid serious illness.

The chaplain also supports families by offering prayer, counseling, or simply a quiet presence at the bedside. Whether it’s a moment of silence, a blessing, or reading a verse that brings comfort, these acts create a sense of calm and connection that strengthen the emotional foundation of care.

“When we walk into a patient’s room, our first goal isn’t to pray—it’s to listen,” said Cynthia Drew, MDiv, JD, PhD, chaplain at University Medical Center. “We never assume what faith means to someone. Sometimes a simple presence or shared silence is the greatest comfort. Our role is to meet each person where they are spiritually, emotionally, and culturally, so they feel seen and never alone.”

Creating an Inclusive Environment

University Medical Center’s inclusive approach ensures that every patient, regardless of faith or cultural background, feels respected and supported. From Catholic priests and Buddhist monks to volunteer Imams serving Muslim patients and visiting rabbis, the hospital’s partnerships with faith leaders across traditions reflect a deep reverence for diversity and the human spirit.

These connections are established through ongoing engagement and collaboration with local faith organizations, clergy networks, and volunteer programs. Together, members of the palliative care and pastoral care teams identify and partner with trusted spiritual leaders who support patients and families throughout their care journey. Through this outreach, the hospital strengthens its relationship with the broader community, ensuring that spiritual care remains accessible and reflective of the people it serves.

“Spirituality gives people strength and meaning,” Dr. Malhotra said. “It helps them find peace in the midst of uncertainty and reminds us that caring for the spirit is just as important as caring for the body. Whether a patient draws strength from prayer, meditation, family, or personal reflection, the palliative care team works to honor those sources of comfort.”

If you or a loved one is facing a serious illness, the Palliative Care team at University Medical Center New Orleans is here to help you find comfort, meaning, and support at every stage of care. Visit Hospice & Palliative Care | University Medical Center New Orleans to learn more.