EXPORT, PENNSYLVANIA – Although most evangelicals have no idea about the religious faith of their primary physician, seven out of ten say knowing their doctor is a fellow believer would increase their confidence in that physician.
Among evangelical Protestants who know their doctor is a Christian, half say this fact influenced their decision to select that individual as their primary physician.
These findings come from the most recent Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter Research report, Faith and Wellness: Evangelical Insights on Healing and Physicians, released on May 11.
Ninety-two percent (92%) of evangelicals report having a primary physician. Of those who do, 27% know their doctor is a fellow Christian believer, while 5% know their primary physician does not share their faith.
This leaves 68% who have no idea about their doctor’s religious faith.
“Nearly half of all evangelicals (49%) do not have a Christian as their primary physician or do not know about the faith of their doctor, but feel this would increase their confidence in their doctor if they did,” said Ron Sellers, founder and president of Grey Matter Research. “That’s about 28.7 million people – almost the population of Texas.”
“For most of the people who have a Christian physician, this fact increases their confidence in their doctor,” Sellers said. “However, most do not know their physician's faith even though they would value this.”
The report highlights a variety of studies conducted by researchers from places such as University of Chicago and Mayo Clinic which show the majority of US physicians believe in God, attend religious services at least occasionally, believe it is appropriate to pray with patients under some conditions, etc.
“What these findings represent is an additional way for Christian physicians to connect with many patients who would value knowing about their faith, and for whom this would provide greater confidence in that physician,” commented Mark Dreistadt, CEO and president of Infinity Concepts.
“Many studies have shown trust in physicians is a key element in successful medical care, many medical practitioners are open to this topic of faith, and a majority of doctors and patients hold personal religious faith,” Dreistadt added. “It seems wise for both parties to consider how they might help bridge this gap in doctor/patient relationships.”
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To schedule an interview with Mark Dreistadt or Ron Sellers, email Clem Boyd, Director of Public Relations, at clem@infinityconcepts.com or text or call him at 724.930.4003.
Faith and Wellness Research Takeaways
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Among evangelicals who have a primary physician, 27% know their doctor is a Christian believer, while 5% know their doctor does not share their faith. This leaves two-thirds who have no idea about their doctor’s faith.
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Half of evangelicals who know their doctor is a fellow believer say this fact influenced their choice of doctors.
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Seven out of ten evangelicals feel knowing their doctor is a Christian believer would (or does) give them more confidence in that physician.
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The sheer number of evangelical Protestants who do not have a Christian physician (or don’t know their doctor’s faith) but say having a Christian believer as a doctor would give them more confidence is almost as large as the population of Texas.
