In medicine, the smallest moments often mean the most, whether it’s a quiet conversation with a patient, a shared reflection with a colleague, or a hand held in silence. These brief but powerful connections, known as “sacred moments,” are the focus of a new study exploring their role in combating clinician burnout and strengthening patient trust.
The study was led by the Lawson Institute, the research arm of St. Joseph’s Healthcare London (St. Joseph’s), and was recently published in a peer-reviewed paper. General Internal Medicine Journal The paper, titled “Sacred Moments in Healthcare: An Evidence-Based Conceptual Model,” outlines how sacred moments, defined as brief experiences of deep connection, awe, and a sense of time standing still, contribute to well-being in healthcare settings. The findings indicate that sacred moments give greater meaning to work, improve mental health, and reduce clinician burnout associated with improved patient care.
Inspired by the impact of these moments, St. Joseph’s Hospital also became the first Canadian hospital to join the Sacred Moments Initiative, led by the University of Michigan. This collaboration has contributed to the publication and has brought international attention to our approach to caring for the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.
Dr. Selina Wong, a psychologist at St. Joseph’s University, is the lead author of a report that identifies key factors that facilitate these experiences, including emotional presence, supportive leadership, and opportunities for reflection. The study also encourages practical strategies such as Sacred Moment Rounds, co-led by clinicians with spiritual care and other training, and focused on creating a space to share this moment with colleagues to enhance well-being. In addition to his international reach, Wong co-authored “Exploring Sacred Moments in Japanese Healthcare,” which found that when this concept is explained to Japanese clinicians and patients, most experience it during medical visits.
In a survey of 629 physicians, 67.7 percent reported experiencing sacred moments with patients, and 76 percent of respondents reported reduced burnout. But less than 5% shared that moment with their colleagues. (Ameling et al., 2025)
These small, deeply connected experiences are powerful reminders of the spiritual and existential aspects of care that many clinicians value but that are quickly forgotten in the demands of the hospital environment. ”
Dr. Selina Wong, first author
Wong points out that while many healthcare workers describe their profession as a calling, the pressures of such a career can often take a toll physically, emotionally and mentally.
“Research shows that sacred moments remind us why we became doctors, nurses, social workers, and health care providers in the first place, and can help reduce stress and burnout. We need support from our leaders and colleagues to regain that sense of purpose, especially in the face of system-level challenges.”
Research also shows that spirituality can be a powerful force that connects people with what matters most. Sacred moments, which have been reported in settings such as radiation oncology, outpatient psychotherapy, hospitalization, and palliative care, bring people fully into the present and remind them that time is sacred.
Sacred moments also support the patient experience. With high rates of burnout across the health care system, patients may sometimes encounter impersonal care, which can erode trust. Creating space for sacred moments can help protect against these challenges, increase satisfaction with care, and strengthen the therapeutic relationship.
Mr. Wong has also seen firsthand how moments of awe and deep connection in treatment transform patients and promote healing, hope, and resilience. While not a panacea for burnout, Wong says sacred moments bring the heart and soul back to health care by emphasizing the care of body, mind, and spirit.
“Being Canada’s first hospital means we are choosing to be innovative leaders in fostering spiritual health, and taking the lead with compassion in building a culture where staff feel supported, seen and connected to our purpose,” says report co-author Dale Nickel, spiritual care manager at St. Joseph’s Healthcare London. “This reflects St. Joseph’s commitment to caring for the whole person: body, mind, and especially in this case, spirit.”
sauce:
Lawson Research Institute of St Joseph’s Healthcare London
Reference magazines:
Wong, S. Others. (2026) Sacred moments in medicine: An evidence-based conceptual model. General Internal Medicine Journal. DOI: 10.1007/s11606-026-10240-w. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-026-10240-w
