Paula Leslie, PhD, MA
Professional Advisor, Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
Center for Bioethics & Health Law, University of Pittsburgh
Abstract: Eating, drinking, and swallowing are humble activities rarely thought about until something goes wrong. These actions are central to identity and cultural participation including spirituality and religious preferences. Clinically, people tend to focus on the physical and lose sight of other significant perspectives. The telos (purpose) of eating is much more than the techne (doing) of medically framed nutrition. Dr. Leslie will explore the interplay of eating, drinking, swallowing, with religious beliefs and practices, and how this might play out in conditions such as dementia. (Continuing medical education credit will be available.)
Co-sponsored by the Center for Bioethics & Health Law, Department of Religious Studies, Jewish Studies Program, Palliative and Supportive Institute of UPMC, and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Continuing Education Program
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