by Dr. Benjeil Edghill
Communities of faith are a significant part of the diverse patient populations we care for at AdvantageCare Physicians (ACPNY). Have you ever considered how religion or faith might influence the care you receive? For some people, this isn’t a consideration at all. But for others, certain faith-based dietary requirements, feelings about treatments and medicines, and other factors could impact your care or how comfortable you feel in your doctor’s office.
When it comes to your health and the care you receive, you should always feel understood and respected as an individual.
Understanding Your Perspective
Even in a place as culturally rich and diverse as New York, there is still plenty of room to improve understanding of the various religious communities represented throughout our neighborhoods. When seeking care, you certainly know how important it is to feel understood and have your feelings about your treatment be respected.
At ACPNY, our providers and Care Team members come from a wide range of religious and cultural backgrounds. That means you’ll be able to receive care from someone who will work to understand your customs and may even share some of your experiences. And even if your provider isn’t of the same religious or cultural background as you, ACPNY Care Team members strive to approach our diverse patient base with understanding, sensitivity, and respect.
When it comes to your health and the care you receive, you should always feel understood and respected as an individual. At ACPNY, we embrace the diversity of the patients we care for, and that includes our patients who have strong connections to their faith or religion.* Being committed to delivering “whole you” care means that ACPNY providers will take the time to learn about everything that might impact your care, and that includes your faith.
Respecting Your Beliefs and Care Preferences
An obstacle some patients face is a suggested treatment plan that may not align with their religious beliefs. For example, some patients’ beliefs may prevent them from seeing a provider of a certain gender. As an ACPNY patient, you will never be pressured to visit a specific provider you’re not comfortable with. Instead, we will help you find a suitable provider who meets your requirements and delivers the best care possible.
Religious practices may also present special considerations, particularly for patients who are restricted to kosher or halal diets, or practice fasting during certain holidays. Patients who follow these customs but also struggle with conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol may have felt pressured to consider changing their diet, even if inconsistent with their faith. But, your ACPNY provider will have a strong interest in how your faith might influence your treatment and help you find a way to continue important traditions while making the right decisions for your health.
Why Choose ACPNY?
When you visit AdvantageCare Physicians, you won’t simply be receiving care from a provider who wants to understand your cultural background and will respect your religious beliefs. You’ll also be receiving comprehensive “whole you” care, which considers all of the physical, mental, and lifestyle factors that make up your entire health picture. Your provider and Care Team will collaborate to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, as well as your unique cultural considerations and beliefs.
Learn more about our commitment to serving our diverse patient population here, or schedule your next appointment today.
*AdvantageCare Physicians does not discriminate on the basis of creed or religious background. We accept patients of any religion or none.
