Ep. 12: Leveraging the Role of Chaplaincy to Enhance Care for Patients With Opioid Use Disorder, featuring Seth Hunter, MD, and Chaplain Dustin Hite

In this episode, authors Dr. Seth Hunter and Chaplain Dustin Hite join host Dr. Sherri Eldin to discuss their Innovation in Primary Care article, “Leveraging the Role of Chaplaincy to Enhance Care for Patients With Opioid Use Disorder,” by April D. Newton, PT, DPT, PhD, Dustin Hite, MDiv, Seth Hunter, MD, and Maeg Sauers, Ann Fam Med 2026;24. https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.25048.

In this episode:

In this episode: Many patients in early recovery face emotional distress and social isolation. To address these unmet needs, the Buprenorphine Clinic at Indiana University (IU) Health Primary Care in Indianapolis integrated a chaplain trained in recovery coaching into its interprofessional collaborative care team. The chaplain provides non-clinical, whole-person support, helping patients explore meaning, process emotions, and identify personal strengths. This role supports patients regardless of spiritual beliefs and complements the medical management of OUD by addressing emotional and existential concerns.