Howard University News Service The relationship between spirituality and medicine has been growing over the past decade as a field of study and instruction at the nation’s medical schools. Nearly 50 medical schools, including Howard University, Harvard University, the University of Washington and the University of Virginia have added courses addressing spirituality in medicine. This week, hundreds of people from across the nation and the Washington area will converge on the Grand Hyatt hotel in D.C. to explore the subject in the 12th annual Spirituality and Medicine Seminar Series. The event, which is open to the public, brings together top spiritual leaders and physicians, sometimes in the same person. For example, six of this year’s key speakers are ministers as well as medical doctors. Glenda F. Hodges, director of the Howard University Hospital Division of Community Relations and the conference’s founder, said the purpose of the three-day event is to illustrate the link between faith and the science of healing. “People believe there’s tension between faith and science,” said Hodges, who has a master’s of divinity degree. “We want them to understand the benefits of the unity of spirituality and medicine in the healing professions.” Participants will be addresses by such renowned pastors and physicians as the Rev. Charles E. Booth, the Rev. Harold B. Betton, M.D., the Rev. Oveta Fuller-Caldwell, Ph.D., Michelle A. Gourdine, M.D., the Rev. Therman Evans, M.D., Ph.D., the Rev. Mark J. Wade, M.D. and the Rev. Reuben C. Warren, DDS, DPH. The conference keynote address will be delivered by Bishop Horace E. Smith, M.D. Hodges will also introduce her new book, “Spirituality and Medicine: Can the Two Walk Together?” which was co-written by Rev. Betton The conference begins Thursday evening with registration, a keynote address and the gospel jazz band, Count the Cost. On Friday, an all-day session features early addresses by Larry Warren, CEO of Howard University Hospital, and the seminar co-chair, Dr. Robert H. Williams. Session on a range of subjects will be held throughout the day. Friday night is the popular Recognition Banquet, last year attended by 1,300 people. This event is to recognize the physician and member of the clergy who best represent the vision of combining spirituality and medicine. The speaker is Bishop Noel Jones pf City of Refuge in Los Angeles. Music will be provided by the 100-member Mighty Men of Reid from Reid Temple AME Church in Glenn Dale, Md. Tickets are $100. The conference concludes with a prayer brunch Saturday at which Bishop Shelton Bady of Harvest Time Church in Houston will speak. Tickets are $45. For additional information or tickets, contact Dr. Glenda F. Hodges at (202) 865-3327 or visit www.spiritandmed.com