Health and Healing Honor

Science & Health

Requirements

  1. Be at least in the second year of high school.

    Answer: The honor addresses subjects of scientific, theological and medical depth (anatomy, diseases, medication, spiritual intervention) that require intellectual maturity compatible with the second year of high school. The student already has a sufficient foundation in biology, chemistry and ethics for in-depth discussions, and the emotional maturity to deal with human suffering, the meaning of pain, prayer for the sick and the mysteries of faith involved. — Complex honors have age and educational prerequisites. In the 2nd year of high school the student has already studied Biology (anatomy, systems, diseases), Chemistry (medications), Philosophy (ethics) and has the maturity for delicate subjects such as death and supernatural healing. The age group (16-17 years) also has reflective capacity about the church's mission in health. Without this foundation, the learning would be too superficial.

  2. Learn, through the Bible and/or the Spirit of Prophecy, how Jesus healed the sick and the procedure used by the church elders to anoint the sick person and ask God for healing. Present an oral report on what you learned and write a report of at least 250 words.

    Answer: Jesus healed by touch (the blind man in Mark 8), by word (the paralytic of Capernaum in Mark 2), by saliva and clay (the man born blind in John 9), by prayer (Lazarus in John 11) and by faith. The anointing procedure (James 5:14-16) includes: the sick person calls the elders, they pray aloud, anoint with oil (olive oil symbolizing the Holy Spirit), confess sins to one another, and through the Holy Spirit God brings physical and spiritual healing. — The Gospels report dozens of healings by Jesus, showing authority over disease and death. The anointing in James 5 is a living practice in the Adventist Church: pastor and elders visit the sick person, lead reflection, a prayer of faith, anoint with olive oil and offer support. Healing is not always physical (God sometimes heals emotionally or through the patience of suffering), but the act strengthens the faith of the believer and the close community.

  3. What is the importance of continuing education for health professionals?

    Answer: Continuing education is essential because medicine evolves constantly with new discoveries, technologies and treatments; it keeps the professional up to date on protocols, prevents errors due to misinformation, improves the quality of care, is required by the professional councils (CRM, COREN, CRO) to maintain active registration, and strengthens patients' trust. — Medical knowledge doubles every few years. New medications, surgical techniques, vaccines and protocols emerge. Continuing education (courses, congresses, residencies, specializations, reading scientific journals) is an ethical and legal obligation. Professional councils require annual hours of training. Patients deserve the best available care. In Adventist institutions (HASA, UNASP), continuing education is institutionally valued.

  4. Interview at least two people who work in the health field. One of them must have a profession other than doctor or nurse, such as a dentist, physiotherapist, psychologist, nutritionist, etc. In your interviews, ask the following questions:
    • Why did you choose this profession?
    • What degree (or courses) do you need to take to work in your profession?
    • After finishing the degree/course, how long does it take to obtain a license, or be qualified to practice the profession in your field?
    • What aspect do you like most about your work? What do you like least?
    • Which days of the week, and how many hours per day, do you have to work?
    • What kinds of promotion can you have in your career?
    • What other courses could you take to complete your knowledge of your profession?
    • What are some institutions in your city that offer courses in your field?

    Answer: Schedule 1-2 weeks in advance, prepare a printed list of questions, go in uniform with the club's identification, maintain a respectful posture in a clinical environment (silence, avoid touching equipment). Ask about the professional choice, the necessary degree, the time until registration with the council, the pros/cons of the work, the weekly hours, possibilities for promotion, specializations and local institutions offering courses. — Interviewing professionals exposes the Pathfinder to the realities of various careers. Doctors, nurses, dentists, physiotherapists, psychologists, nutritionists and biomedical scientists have distinct paths. Knowing the training (4 to 6 years + residency), registration (CRM, CRP, CRN, COREN, CRO), routines (shifts, outpatient clinic) and challenges helps with vocational decisions. Visits to Adventist hospitals like HASA inspire the health mission.

  5. Complete one of the following activities:
    • Visit a medical or dental office and do the following:
    • b. Make a visit with a nurse who works in home care, and:
    • c. Visit a laboratory or any institution that performs diagnostic tests (such as radiography, ultrasound, electrocardiogram) and do the following:

    Answer: Visits to professional environments broaden one's view of a career. In an office you learn about outpatient routine, medical records, instruments. At home you observe humanized care and adaptation to the space. In a laboratory you see complementary exams (X-ray, ultrasound, ECG, blood count). Compliance with rules (confidentiality, biosafety) is fundamental. Patients have the right to privacy. The report consolidates learning and strengthens the relationship with the institution.

  6. Through internet research or a visit to a college/university in your city or state, find out what the subjects and duration are of the following health-field courses:
    • Biomedicine
    • Nursing
    • Pharmacy
    • Medicine
    • Nutrition
    • Dentistry
    • Psychology

    Answer: Biomedicine (4 years): Biochemistry, Microbiology, Hematology, Immunology. Nursing (4-5 years): Anatomy, Physiology, Clinical Care, Public Health. Pharmacy (5 years): Chemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Technology. Medicine (6 years): Anatomy, Physiology, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics. Nutrition (4 years): Biochemistry, Diet Therapy. — Each course has its own curriculum reflecting the field. Medicine is the longest (6 years + a 2-5 year residency = 8-11 years total). The others vary from 4 to 5 years. All require supervised practical internships. After the diploma, registration with the respective professional council (CRM, COREN, CRF, CRBM, CRN, CRO, CRP) is required to practice legally. Specializations are paths to further depth.