REQUEST YOUR FREE SAMPLER to help new parents raise spiritually healthy babies.
First-Time Mom is a comprehensive handbook that helps new parents create a nurturing home while establishing a spiritual foundation. They’ll get answers to their non-medical questions about the essentials of child rearing written in Dr. Leman’s witty, common-sense style. Order your FREE First-Time Mom samplers for your waiting room or to distribute to your patients. To order, call Jacki Vietmeier at 1-800-323-9400 ext. 5465 or e-mail firsttimemom@tyndale.com. (Limit 100 free samplers per physician.)
2
T o d a y ’s C h r i s t i a n D o c t o r
Dr. Kevin Leman An internationally-known family psychologist and best-selling author, Dr. Kevin Leman has been a guest on numerous radio and television programs including Oprah, Today, The View, and Good Morning, America. His guest appearance on Focus on the Family with James Dobson has become the third most-requested taped program in their history, and his parenting books include the best-selling The New Birth Order Book.
Paid Advertisement
Your expert advice helps parents provide for their baby’s physical growth. Now you can help first-time moms nurture their baby’s spiritual growth too! Offer them a FREE sampler of the Top 20 Tips for New Moms. It’s taken directly from the new book First-Time Mom, written by respected family psychologist, Dr. Kevin Leman.
Editorial
by David Stevens, M.D., M.A. (Ethics) – CMDA Executive Director
Burnt Toast
I
’d been beat up. Not physically where you could see it easily, but I had mental abrasions, emotional bleeding and a lot of psychic bruising. It wasn’t the result of a brawl but due to cumulative trauma. It was the effect of pushing too long and too hard. It was difficult patient headlocks, personnel blows to the gut, financial full nelsons and regulatory body slams. Was everyone out to use me as a punching bag? If that wasn’t bad enough, when you’re beat up, you tend to totally disengage or to only emotionally punch those who can’t punch back — subordinates, your spouse, your kids. You withdraw or have bursts of inappropriate anger or cutting sarcasm. You become a desolate emotional wasteland or an overheated pressure cooker full of anger that blows its top unpredictably. Sound like your life lately? For me it was in the late ’80s as a missionary doctor when I burnt out. But I’ve been at least “toasty” at other times in my life. It happens too easily because of the way I— and most doctors—cope. When the going gets tough, we just try to work harder and longer. That is the way to solve every problem, or so we think. Yet the result of staying in the toaster too long is wearily predictable. You get burned. And then you’re not palatable to anyone—Christian or not. You’re not even much fun for your family to be around. Because of my experience, I watch the toasters. With what is happening in medicine, I’m seeing most doctors sitting in a toaster that’s turned on high. Malpractice is out of control. New government regulations are burdensome. Costs are going up while revenues stay flat or are going down. It is difficult to find and keep good staff. You are working longer and harder to just keep your head above water. I see it in e-mails, hear it on the phone and listen to it in conversations. I’m smelling a lot of burned bread. I don’t have all the answers and this is something I struggle with. But here’s the advice I give myself for decreasing the heat and winning the battle:
Retreat - for at least awhile. Take a weekend or a week, go where there is no TV or cell phones. Get some rest and then with your spouse or a trusted friend, reassess your priorities and develop a plan to get back into the ring. ◗ What is really important? ◗ What excess weight do you need to shed? ◗ What strategies can make a difference? We spend way too much time doing and not enough time planning. Sometimes God uses burnout to completely change our job, direction or commitments. Put on some Protection - Renew and deepen your relationship with the Lord. It probably needs it. It is the first thing to go when you are doing too much. Focus on God’s promises and His priorities for every Christian. Often we get busy doing good things and forget the most important ones. Beef Up - You are much better able to cope with stress with a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep. This may require some lifestyle changes but will strengthen you. Start slow, build up slow and stick with it. Discipline in this area will renew your strength. Get a Trainer - No, I’m not talking about a physical trainer but about someone who can be your accountability agent and sparring partner. You need someone with whom you can be totally honest. It may be an individual or a small group of Christian friends. The first thing to ask them is, “How do you think I’m doing?” And then give them permission to ask the hard questions. Get back in the Fight - Seek God’s guidance. Focus on the peace that only He can give. Take Christ with you into every situation you face. You already know you can’t do it alone. Remember - God uses our derailments as opportunities to get us back on the right track. It is when we are powerless that we give opportunity for His power to be manifest. ✝
Internet Web site:
h t t p : / / w w w. c m d a h o m e . o r g
•
Spring 2004
3
CONTENTS V OLUME X X X V , N O.1
( O u r 5 4 t h Ye a r )
Spring 2004
The Christian Medical & Dental Associations ––changing hearts in healthcare—since 1931. SM
Features
10 14
A Flash of Life
17
Homosexuality and the Christian Physician
24 30
Do We Have the Right to Share Our Faith?
How an incredible photo stunned the world by Jonathan Imbody, M.A.
10
How to Build a Hospital in Africa Without Visible Resources The amazing story of St. Luke’s Hospital—Wolaitta Soddo, Ethiopia Special Report
How one doctor opposed homosexual activists in his home town by Stephen C. Riggs, M.D. NOTE: SEE CMDA’S NEW STATEMENT ON HOMOSEXUALITY (PGS 22-23)
The “Great Commission” as a cultural mandate by Dan Fountain, M.D.
National Embryo Donation Center CMDA teams with Baptist Hospital for Women to offer a life-honoring alternative
Departments 5 Progress Notes 33 Advertising Section
17
TODAY’S CHRISTIAN DOCTOR®, registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. ISSN 0009-546X, Spring 2004, Volume XXXV, No. 1. Printed in the United States of America. Published four times each year by the Christian Medical & Dental Associations at 2604 Highway 421, Bristol, TN 37620. Copyright © 2004, Christian Medical & Dental Associations . All Rights Reserved. Distributed free to CMDA members. Non-member doctors may receive a complimentary six-month membership upon request or by referral by a patient or other healthcare professional. Non-doctors (U.S.) are welcome to subscribe at a rate of $35 per year ($40 per year, international). Standard presort postage paid at Bristol, Tenn. Postmaster: Send address changes to Christian Medical & Dental Associations, P.O. Box 7500, Bristol, TN 37621-7500. Editor: David B. Biebel, D. Min. Editorial Committee: Gregg Albers, M.D., Ruth Bolton, M.D., Elizabeth Buchinski, M.D., John Crouch, M.D., William C. Forbes, D.D.S., Curtis E. Harris, M.D., J.D., Warren S. Heffron, M.D., Rebecca Klint, M.D., Samuel E. Molind, D.M.D., Robert D. Orr, M.D., Matthew L. Rice, Th.M., D.O., Richard A. Swenson, M.D. Director of Communications: Margie Shealy. Classified Ad Sales: Patti Kowalchuk (423) 844-1000. Display Ad Sales: Patti Kowalchuk (423) 844-1000. Design & Pre-press: B&B Printing. CMDA is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). SM
SM
Articles and letters published represent the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations. Acceptance of paid advertising from any source does not necessarily imply the endorsement of a particular program, product or service by CMDA. Any technical information, advice or instruction provided in this publication is for the benefit of our readers, without any guarantee with respect to results they may experience with regard to the same. Implementation of the same is the decision of the reader and at his or her own risk. CMDA cannot be responsible for any untoward results experienced as a result of following or attempting to follow said information, advice or instruction. Scripture references marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible. Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977 by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture references marked (KJV) are taken from King James Version. Undesignated biblical references are from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved. For membership information or to request your first year's membership for half price, contact the Christian Medical & Dental Associations at PO Box 7500, Bristol, TN 37621-7500; telephone: (423) 844-1000 or toll free, (888) 231-2637; fax: (423) 844-1005; e-mail: main@cmdahome.org; Web site: http://www.cmdahome.org.
Washington Bureau Update The CMA’s Washington Bureau serves as a voice for Christian doctors in the nation’s capital. Current issues addressed by CMA representatives include: FDA review of RU-486 - A California teenager’s death after taking the abortion pill RU-486 at a Planned Parenthood clinic has refocused attention on a 90-page document sent to the FDA in September 2002 by CMA, Concerned Women for America and the American Association of Pro Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The citizen petition document outlines safety concerns and calls for an unbiased FDA review of the drug. Rep. Jim DeMint (R-4th/SC) has introduced a bill, which already has 60 co-sponsors, to recall RU-486 pending a safety review by the FDA. Human patenting - CMA urged Senate Majority Leader Frist (R-TN) to support a ban on human patenting, a measure included in a major spending bill. International health - CMA is working with USAID and Global Fund officials to find ways to break down barriers to grants for qualified faith-based organizations at home and overseas.
Anti-terrorism - CMA has been meeting with federal antiterrorism officials to explore ways in which CMA members can help states and local communities prepare to respond to bioterrorist attacks. Human trafficking - CMA is networking with the State Department, USAID and the FBI in developing a protocol for physicians to use in identifying and assisting in the rescue of victims of human trafficking (i.e., forced prostitution and slavery). Partial-birth abortion ban - President Bush signed the partial-birth abortion ban, which was immediately opposed in court by pro-abortion groups. CMA promoted the legislation and is now working with attorneys to supply expert witnesses for the court cases. Contact: Christian Medical Association - Washington Bureau 21798 Jarvis Square • Ashburn, VA 20147 Ph: 703-723-8688 • FAX: 723-6925 • Cell: 703-801-4287 washington@cmdahome.org • www.cmawashington.org
Appeal for commission candidates CMA members recently appointed to federal commissions include: Jean Wright, M.D. - Board of Directors, John E. Fogarty International Center for Advanced Study in the Health Sciences Anne Spaulding, M.D. - Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Human Research Protections Subpart C Prisoner Research Subcommittee Warren Heffron, M.D. - Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry To view a list of open positions, see: http://fido.gov/facadatabase/default.asp. (Click on: Public Access ... Explore Data for the current fiscal year ... Department of Health and Human Services). E-mail Washington@cmdahome.org a copy of your CV and a brief cover note outlining your experience and desire to serve on any specific commission(s), and we will direct your CV accordingly. Please also note your agreement or disagreement with CMA ethical positions— especially on “hot-button” topics such as abortion, assisted suicide, human embryo research, human cloning and issues related to sexuality (see the Issues section of www.cmdahome.org.).
"For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I will praise You, For I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139: 13-14. Gary Clark is a professional artist that has had a passion for art for over 20 years. Gary says he believes "The Gift" was inspired, and he hopes that the message of this painting will become known as a symbol of how precious life is and that it is a gift from God. This is a painting of the hands of God holding a 14-week-old child inside the womb. Gary's desire to stir the hearts of men and women has set him on a mission to have "The Gift" placed in every doctor's office, women's clinic, church, etc. where life and death decisions could be made; and it could be used as a subtle way for people to acknowledge that life is a gift. One method to accomplish this mission is for people to sponsor prints so that they can be placed in these various locations.
First copy - $69 plus $11.50 shipping = $80.50 for 1 Second copy - $40 with no additional shipping = $120.50 for 2 Third copy - $40 with no additional shipping = $160.50 for 3 "The Gift" can be ordered by calling 1-888-231-2637. Permission to use the image is also available to non-profit organizations for various purposes by contacting Gary Clark at 828-526-0494 or by e-mail at: garyandcathy@juno.com.
Internet Web site:
h t t p : / / w w w. c m d a h o m e . o r g
•
Spring 2004
5
Vermont in Hemlock’s Crosshairs by Robert D. Orr, M.D., C.M. Vermont has been targeted to be the second state to legalize physician-assisted suicide (PAS). The Hemlock Society since 1980 has maintained that their goal is to legalize euthanasia, but they have focused so far on PAS until their goal is politically feasible. They have recently tried to soften their image by changing their name to “End of Life Choices,” maintaining they merely want to add PAS as a palliative care option. Hemlock/EOLC has targeted Vermont because it is small and politically liberal. They quietly introduced bills in both the state Senate and House in January 2003, avoiding the word “suicide,” calling it “Death With Dignity”/“physician aid-in-dying.” EOLC is providing $2 million for this Vermont campaign; they recently spent $50,000 mailing a fundraising letter to nearly every Vermont household. The CMDA gained experience in successfully fighting this sociopolitical movement in Michigan, Maine and Hawaii. A handful of physicians invited Dr. David Stevens to a Vermont consultation in February 2003. He and his staff helped us form a coalition of physicians, other healthcare professionals, disability rights activists and right-to-life organizations (Vermont Alliance for Ethical Healthcare, www.vaeh.org). Our first year budget of $12,000 has come entirely from 50 individual Vermonters. Our efforts to date have been on five fronts:
1. We held an educational legislative luncheon that was instrumental in keeping the bills from being voted out of committee in the first year of the two-year session. 2. We have developed a cadre of speakers who have participated in many public forums and media interviews and have published editorials and letters in every newspaper in the state. 3. We participated heavily in the discussions of the Vermont Medical Society as they debated their position, opposing a “Death With Dignity” (DWD) effort at a neutral position. The VMS ultimately took a solid position of opposition to PAS, which is key; in the past decade, efforts to legalize PAS failed in the five states where the medical society opposed it, and it narrowly passed after the Oregon Medical Association took a neutral stance. 4. CMDA has produced a 20-minute educational video for use in Vermont churches. 5. We will testify in committees during the legislative session (January-April 2004). While there does not currently appear to be sufficient support for passage, and the governor opposes PAS, we expect the Hemlock/ EOLC/DWD folks to pour on a major effort. Your prayers are coveted. Robert D. Orr, M.D., C.M., is President of the Vermont Alliance for Ethical Healthcare.
Calendar—Medical Education International April 14-26, 2004: MEI will be participating in a joint venture with Servants in the Name of Christ International and traveling to Le Shan, China. There is a need for all specialists. April 17- May 1, 2004: MEI will be participating in a joint venture with Medical Missions Response. A teaching team will be traveling to China to teach in various medical school/hospital settings. There is a need for all specialties, especially neurology, surgical specialties, infectious disease and radiology. August 27-September 8, 2004: A team will be traveling to Afghanistan to work in a variety of hospitals. There is need for female Ob’s to work and teach Obstetrics. In addition there are teaching needs in many medical and surgical specialties. For further information please contact us. September 11-25, 2004: A team will be traveling to Shenyang, China for two weeks to teach physicians/dentists working there. All specialties are welcome. October 2-16, 2004: A team will be traveling to Mongolia for two weeks for the purpose of teaching at the various specialty hospitals in Ulaanbaatar. There is a need for teaching in all specialties. There is specific request for a surgeon working in the field of biliary surgery as well as a Perinatologist. October 9-23, 2004: MEI will be participating in a joint venture with Medical Missions Response. A teaching team will be traveling to China to teach in various medical school/hospital settings. There is a need for all specialties, especially neurology, surgical specialties, radiology, infectious disease and radiology. October 22-November 1, 2004: A team will be traveling to Albania to hold a medical/surgical conference. There is a need for teaching in all specialties. Contact: Jeffrey J. Barrows, D.O., F.A.C.O.O.G.; Administrative Director, CMDA-MEI; 7334 C.R. #10; Zanesfield, OH 43360 E-mail: jeffreybarrows@yahoo.com; Visit: http://www.cmdahome.org (Missions; Medical Education International) 6
T o d a y ’s C h r i s t i a n D o c t o r
Coping With Dental Disaster by Jack Shuler, D.D.S., F.A.G.D.--Director, Christian Dental Association Recently while sitting in my office perusing some returned reply-cards, I came across the name of one of our members. I’ll call him Dr. Ted. He had scrawled, at the bottom of the card three small words: “Pray for me.” These words waved to me like a red flag. Knowing how busy dental offices can be, I hesitated to call him at his office—but in this case I made an exception. He answered his own phone, and, as we talked, I learned about Ted’s plight. He’d had a bookkeeper-receptionist who had embezzled some funds and he’d had to let her go. The dental hygienist then left due to pregnancy, which coincided with the loss of his assistant for personal reasons. And there Ted sat—-alone and depressed, trying to figure out how to hold the practice together all by himself. After swallowing hard, and a silent “sentence prayer” I began to attempt to help. First, we went to the Word. Together we briefly looked at God’s promises, especially in Psalm 34, which reads, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” (I suggest you read this Psalm and refresh your realization that God WILL take
1 1 T H
A N N U A L
care of His people). Then I shared with him how this exact same thing had happened to me years ago! I had found myself alone at one time, having to keep the practice going while hunting for an entire new staff! (Do you think my Lord allowed that terrible dental disaster in my life in order that I could knowingly share with Ted? I think so!) Then we spoke of how there are INCIDENTS in the lives of Christian dentists, but no ACCIDENTS! We noted that Ted was being tested, and for a reason. And I was able to assure him, citing my 31 years of practice, that the trial would end. Lastly we prayed together over the phone. After hanging up the telephone, I thanked my Heavenly Father for the opportunity to enter Ted’s life during this time. I may not know the outcome of this phone call, but I know one thing: GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF TED. Jeremiah 29:11 is explicit: “…I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” That is one of our Lord’s many promises. And He doesn’t BREAK His promises!
C O N F E R E N C E
O N
B I O E T H I C S
July 15-17, 2004 I N S T I T U T E S : July 12-15, 2004 P O S T- C O N F E R E N C E : July 19-21, 2004 CONFERENCE:
Conference Wrap-around and Institutes also available for graduate & under-graduate credit.
Presented by: The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity (CBHD) • Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA) • Christian Legal Society (CLS) • Nurses Christian Fellowship (NCF) • Trinity International University (TIU) • "Americans United for Life (AUL)".
Topics Include: patient’s good vs. society’s good • right of conscience • moral complicity • role of conscience • dealing with conflict • legal conflicts • communicating wisely • financial reimbursement • medical futility • medical malpractice • case studies • professional dialogue
Paper Proposal:
For more information or to register: PHONE 888.246.3844 • VISIT www.cbhd.org • EMAIL cbhd@cbhd.org • FAX 847.317.8153 On the Deerfield, Illinois (Chicago Area)—Campus of Trinity International University
Send a one-page paper abstract and a one-page biographical profile by April 30, 2004 to: The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity, 2065 Half Day Road, Bannockburn, IL 60015 USA
Internet Web site:
h t t p : / / w w w. c m d a h o m e . o r g
•
Spring 2004
7
President’s Message
Your Ministry Jesus developed a physicians’ ministry model, which He first practiced and then shared with His disciples. In Matthew 9:35 we read how He went about the towns and villages teaching, preaching and healing. In the next chapter, we read how He gathered a band of followers about Him, giving them the power to do the same. First, He sent them out locally. Then at the end of Matthew, He sent them to the ends of the earth. This has been a great year for me as I have personally met so many more CMDA members and have had a chance to visit several local groups and see how members are following Jesus’ ministry model. In getting to know you, I have developed an impression that a much larger percentage of our members are tithers than most Christians in this country. I don’t have data to prove that statement, but I am mighty impressed with you. Have you ever considered giving a 10 percent tithe of your time to develop your own unique ministry? Too busy you say! As Christians, we have made a total commitment to the Lord, so why not carve out 10 percent to be identified as your ministry. It might be through various ministries in your church or through a ministry such as CMDA. We have 17,500 members. Therefore, we can have 17,500 different ministries. One of the ministries of a member is that of a young woman who developed encephalitis just 10 years out of her residency. Initially devastated by the loss of her ability to practice, she was able to continue with some work in a crisis pregnancy center. Her faith grew and her abilities permitted expansion of work into formation of a
Christian maternity home. This has now expanded to include short-term mission trips to West Africa with her husband. A dentist in China was an inspiration to me recently. He told me of his dentistry ministry. It was meaningful to watch him share a year’s worth of “Christian Doctors’ Digest” tapes and CDs with members of his local group. The CMDA offers almost 50 different ministries in which you can be involved. Are you called to minister to women physicians or dentists? We have a Women in Medicine and Dentistry Commission. Could your call be to missions? We have a Domestic Missions Commission with excellent model mission stations in this country. Global Health Outreach takes 40 teams each year to provide service around the world. Medical Education International sends teams of medical and dental educators to multiple countries. All of these involve both physicians and dentists. There is a new dental program specifically aimed toward increasing our dental activities. We have 17,500 members. Therefore, we can have 17,500 ministries. What is yours? Has your ministry been identified and developed? Jesus sends each of us today to teach, preach and heal; we are the disciples of today.
Warren A. Heffron, M.D. President - CMDA
Calendar—Global Health Outreach Global Health Outreach needs physicians, dentists, nurses and other healthcare professionals and volunteers to serve in the Shenyang Province, China, May 14-28, 2004. If you are interested in participating on that team or need more information, please contact GHO immediately: gho@cmdahome.org; or 423-844-1000. Also, GHO is looking for volunteers to serve for a week in the following locations: August 21-29, Langue, Honduras September 25-October 3, La Esperanza, Honduras See http://www.cmdahome.org for more dates and detailed information.
8
T o d a y ’s C h r i s t i a n D o c t o r
Paid Advertisement Internet Web site:
h t t p : / / w w w. c m d a h o m e . o r g
•
Spring 2004
9
Photo courte sy of Michae l Clancy (It ca n be viewed
by Jonathan Imbody After this fetus grasped his surgeon’s finger, many were forced to grasp a certain reality. 10
T o d a y ’s C h r i s t i a n D o c t o r
at http://www .michaelclancy .com/)
“Today, Samuel is nearly four years old and has not had to endure the surgeries that are common for most children with spina bifida. He’s walking with leg braces, is cognitively normal and loves looking for bugs.”
Flashing an impish grin, three-year-old year-old Samuel succinctly summarized Samuel Armas quickly ducked behind a the sophisticated surgery. chair as a photographer tried to capture “They fixed my boo-boo.” his picture at a recent Senate hearing in Julie recalled in her testimony the Washington, D.C. Samuel hadn’t seemed moment they heard the results of the prequite so shy during his first photographic natal tests that revealed Samuel’s “boosession. A photo of his tiny hand, graspboo.” ing a surgeon’s finger during in utero “The first words my doctor said were, surgery, traveled around the globe and ‘This is really bad.’” stunned a world that had tried to hide its In his testimony, Alex noted, “We were face from the reality of life in the womb. devastated. It’s every parent’s worst nightSamuel’s parents, Alex and Julie Armas mare to learn that something is very wrong of Villa Rica, Georgia, had traveled to with your child. The doctor painted a grim Washington, D.C., on September 25, 2003, picture for us and stopped just short of to testify before the U.S. Senate Subsuggesting an abortion.” committee on Science, Technology, and Space about As Alex explained in an interview after the the photo and their experience with in utero hearing, “Our view was that after years of trying surgery. They were joined at the hearing by Dr. James to conceive, this was the baby God chose to give Thorp, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at the us. Julie and I are both Christians. Scripture is clear University of Florida Pensacola, and by Michael Clancy, the on the sanctity of life in the womb, so ending the pregphotographer who captured Samuel’s awe-inspiring grasp. nancy was never an option for us.” Dr. Thorp testified that in utero surgery, while still in the Spina bifida, a sometimes fatal and typically severe brain experimental stages and posing significant risks, offers incredible promise to parents of unborn children with birth defects. Alex and Julie explained that their surgery, initiated to treat spina bifida, remarkably changed the course of Samuel’s life and of theirs, as well. Alex testified, “Today, Samuel is nearly four years old and has not had to endure the surgeries that are common for most children with spina bifida. He’s walking with leg braces, is cognitively normal and loves looking for bugs.” Sitting behind his father who was testifying, Samuel wore a tee shirt displaying a few of those bugs. Committee chairman Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kas.), himself the father of five children, called Samuel up to join his parents at the witness table for a few questions. He pointed to the large-scale version of the photograph and asked if Samuel knew what it was. Julie nts Alex and re a p h it w r, “Baby Samuel,” the boy s, cente Samuel Arma replied. Asked what the doctors had done that day, three-
Internet Web site:
h t t p : / / w w w. c m d a h o m e . o r g
•
Spring 2004
11
“Before the picture, I felt that as a man I could never be pregnant and alone, so it wasn’t for me to decide whether abortion was right or wrong. I was indifferent.”
USA Today assigned photojournalist Michael Clancy to capture the surgery on film. Michael had no idea that the shoot would change his life forever. As he explained in an interview, “Before the picture, I felt that as a man I could never be pregnant and alone, so it wasn’t for me to decide whether abortion was right or wrong. I was indifferent.” Michael described for the Senate hearing the details of his experience during the surgery: “The tension could be felt in the operating room as the surgery began. The procedure would take place within the uterus, and no part of the child was to breach the surgical opening. The entire surgical procedure on the child was completed in one hour and thirteen minutes. When it was over, the surgical team breathed a sigh of relief, as did I. “As a doctor asked me what speed film I was using, out of the corner of my eye I saw the uterus shake, but no one’s hands were near it. It was shaking from within. “Suddenly, an entire arm thrust out of the opening, then pulled back until just a little hand was showing. The doctor reached over and lifted the hand, which reacted and squeezed the doctor’s finger. “As if testing for strength, the doctor shook the tiny fist. Samuel held firm. I took the picture. Wow!” When the USA Today photo editor later phoned Michael to confirm the photo’s publication, the editor declared, “It’s the most incredible picture I’ve Samuel Arma ever seen.” The photo s testifies befo re a U.S. Sena appeared in the newste Subcommit tee, September paper in September and spinal cord anomaly, results from the spine failing to close properly during the first month of pregnancy. If the baby survives, spina bifida often leaves debilitating defects including accumulation of fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus), bowel and bladder complications, paralysis and a host of devastating physical, emotional and social secondary conditions. Julie, an obstetrics nurse, decided after hearing the diagnosis to research treatments and discovered a pioneering program of maternal-fetal (in-utero) surgery for spina bifida at Nashville’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center. After intensive consultations with the medical staff, Julie and Alex not only gave the go-ahead for surgery on 21-week-old Samuel; they also agreed to let USA Today photograph the event as a way to increase awareness of the new procedure.
2003
12
T o d a y ’s C h r i s t i a n D o c t o r
2000 and spread at warp speed across the globe—leading USA Today to subsequently refer to it as the “hand of a fetus [that] touched the world.” Meanwhile, Samuel’s surgery had delivered the results for which his parents had hoped and prayed. “Immediately after surgery,” Alex recalls, “the hydrocephalus stopped progressing and started to slowly decrease. By the time Samuel was born, fifteen weeks later, his brain malformation had reversed and the hydrocephalus had mostly disappeared. Alex and Julie shared during an interview the impact that the surgery and photo have had on their own lives. “The combined trials of infertility Armas followed by Samuel’s spina bifida and Julie and Alex h it w s k ea sp , nback, (l.) fetal surgery made for a roller coaster ride ator Sam Brow en S that dramatically matured our marriage and each of us individually,” Alex confided. “We’ve experienced God’s hand at work in two ways. First, Samuel clearly benefited from the surgery, and we’re thankful for his ultra sound scanner) are again challenging the world to progress and the open its eyes to the wonder and reality of nascent human life. absence of many The stunningly detailed three-dimensional images reveal problems that typi- developing babies smiling, blinking, sucking their fingers, cally accompany scratching their nose, hiccuping and crying. “We’ve experienced God’s As Senator Brownback observed during the hearing, children with spina hand at work in two ways. “There is little debate about whether the child in utero is bifida. First, Samuel clearly bene“Second, we’re alive; the debate is over whether or not the child is a life humbled by God’s worthy of protection.” fited from the surgery, and By bearing witness to the divinely knit wonders within the use of the handwe’re thankful for his progress photo as a ministry. womb, extraordinary scientific technology is challenging The article and many to reconsider that question. ✝ and the absence of many photo were shown problems that typically all over the world and have been accompany children with Jonathan Imbody used extensively spina bifida. Second, we’re is Senior Policy Analyst in the by pro-life and humbled by God’s use of the Christian organiza- Christian Medical Association’s Washington tions to illustrate hand-photo as a ministry. Bureau (www.cmawashinglife inside the The article and photo were ton.org), where he serves as a womb.” liaison for CMA members with Since the publishown all over the world and the U.S. Congress, the of Samuel’s have been used extensively by cation Administration and federal “hand of hope,” pro-life and Christian orga- images published agencies. His commentaries and articles appear frequently in Britain of a nizations to illustrate life in USA Today, the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, “smiling fetus” (a inside the womb.” World magazine, and many other publications. remarkable image captured by a new Internet Web site:
h t t p : / / w w w. c m d a h o m e . o r g
•
Spring 2004
13
More proof that the seemingly impossible is still possible with God.
Without Visible Resources
I Dr. & Mrs. Adolph
14
T o d a y ’s C h r i s t i a n D o c t o r
n 1996, when Harold P. Adolph, M.D., F.A.C.S., and his wife, Bonnie Jo, returned from eight years in Niger, West Africa, Dr. Adolph was completely exhausted. Dr. Adolph’s ophthalmologist told him that he had glaucoma and macular degeneration. Obviously, it was time to retire. So over the next several years, the Adolphs traveled throughout the USA, with Dr. Adolph participating in 133 surgical, obstetric and plastic surgery grand rounds during that time.
Retirement, phase two, began about four years ago, when at age 67 Dr. Adolph felt God’s call to help launch a 10-year project that included challenging surgery, rounds on as many as 75 patients a day and building a 200-bed Christian hospital in Ethiopia…all without visible resources. Four years ago when the project started, Dr. and Mrs. Adolph left Ethiopia for Switzerland on their way back to the USA. When they arrived in Switzerland they were greeted with a message that five pallets of medical equipment and supplies were waiting for them. The next day they were given $700 US for the “new hospital.” The following day they were invited for an interview with the Christian German-speaking editor of a European magazine, who wished to write an article on the “new hospital.” This fellow’s office was adjacent to the office for “Bread for the World.” There Dr. and Mrs. Adolph heard of a Swiss hospital that was closing. By noon the next day they had been given an attic full of excellent hospital supplies. Next, a trucking firm offered the use of one of their trucks and a driver to move the equipment to a container. In checking on a container, the Adolphs visited a medical supply house that received and shipped donated supplies around the world. There they heard: “We would not send anything to Ethiopia. Our last containers to Ethiopia were returned unopened.” By the end of their first week in Switzerland they had filled two 44-foot-long containers and sent them by rail to Basil for transfer to a barge down the Rhine River to Rotterdam. Shipping would then take the containers to Djibouti, by rail to Addis Ababa and then by truck to Wolaitta Soddo, Ethiopia, where St. Luke’s Hospital would be built. It took seven months to clear the containers. The Adolphs went to 128 offices to get approval of the architectural drawings written up by the Ministry of Health. It took a year and a half to clear the government-donated land of 18 families, and to move all their crops and assets carefully to new properties. Checks were made out to each family. This was dully witnessed and confirmed in the courthouse. It was a definite help that the governor’s life and that of his mother had been saved at the time of his delivery at their hospital many years previously. He had been told that he was a special gift of God to his family. He had a destiny from God that he must fulfill. The new project was part of it.
Building of the hospital started about two years ago with a gift of $70,000 from Switzerland and a gift of $100,000 from the Adolphs’ US-based church. By this time they had already started a Christian nursing school with 58 students. In 2003, it received the top grade of all private nursing schools in the country, graduating 30 on November 1 of that year. Five buildings are now completed. The hospital expected to open its first 60 beds in February 2004. This was made possible when CMDA invited the Adolphs to attend its annual meeting in Schroon Lake, New York in 2003 to receive the “Servants of Christ” award. Donations totaling $19,000 were given during the last service. Later, another doctor gave $20,000. On their last day in the USA
Internet Web site:
h t t p : / / w w w. c m d a h o m e . o r g
•
Spring 2004
15
many think this is one of the strongest witnesses available for the spread of the Gospel. “We thank God for His continued blessing in spite of opposition from many unexpected sources,” Dr. Adolph said. “The work has continued much like the work of Nehemiah and Ezra because of ‘the good hand of the Lord upon us.’” ✝
From CMDA’s Executive Director
before returning to Ethiopia the Adolphs were given $150,000 by a friend in Switzerland to finish Phase I. Before they left Switzerland on their way to Ethiopia, a young couple donated funds for the maternity and pediatric wards. In November 2003, Cure International, with a vision of establishing 50 crippled children’s hospitals in needy areas around the world, agreed to place one of their hospitals at the new hospital site. Their building has already started. St. Luke’s Hospital is located in a tribal group numbering 2.5 million. The present clinic, which has been in operation for six years, receives 80 to 100 patients a day from all over the country; 40 percent of these are Moslem. The “Jesus” film will be shown in waiting areas, since
Servants submit their desires and will to whom they serve. When told to act, they don’t ask “Why?” or whether something is really feasible. They simply trust their master and move ahead. That is why the Adolphs are such wonderful examples of what it means to be “Servants of Christ.” They hold fast to the principle that if it is God’s will, there must be a way. No obstacle is too great, even if it means visiting 128 government offices! Their lives preach messages that we cannot ignore. God still wants to work through men and women who have completely submitted themselves to Him. It is in self-denial and service that we find real joy and satisfaction. God gave Abraham and Sarah a son in their nineties. Noah was 600 when the flood came. What does God want to do with us in our old age? Remember, God’s power working through us is not age-restricted. There are many places in the world with great needs where a doctor and his or her family can make an enormous difference. Think about it! Are you willing to serve? I suspect Harold and Bonnie would welcome some help! —David Stevens, M.D.
H I Family Practice Residency has helped me grow “Ispiritually as I've explored God's place for me in ministry and N
IS MAGE
medicine. Worship and devotions are shared each morning on in-patient service. Each week there is a Bible study for the residents, attendings, and their families. Yearly retreats focus on both medical and spiritual growth. Throughout residency we can attend various conferences on integrating our faith into medicine, missions, marriage, family, and singleness. In addition to the focused training, we have the option of choosing a mentor. I meet with my mentor and discuss specific challenges I'm facing. She gives me a different perspective and insight into the situation as someone who has been in my shoes. The spiritual training at IN HIS IMAGE has really made the difference in my Family Practice training.
”
- Laurel Folden, M.D.
n December 2000 in Cedar Falls,
I
Iowa, a blizzard shut down all activities in the area except two: one was a Christian concert and the other a
city council meeting where legislation was being considered to add sexual orientation to the list of already protected civil rights within our community. Despite the blizzard that night, both the concert and the city council meeting were packed.
Stephen C. Riggs, M.D.
Many Christians within our area enjoyed the former; while the latter was attended by myself, my wife and children, a few
How a CMDA member opposed homosexual activists in his hometown, and what he learned.
other dissenting voices and about 70 homosexual activists. Though I was not intending to speak at this meeting, I found myself at the microphone articulating why I felt this legislation was inappropriate. The homosexual lobby was well prepared, organized and passionate in their appeal.
Internet Web site:
h t t p : / / w w w. c m d a h o m e . o r g
•
Spring 2004
17
Leaving the meeting that night, I knew we were in over our heads and desperately needed help and direction. Fortunately, God provided both. One of the other dissenting voices at that meeting was a local Christian businessman who served on the civil rights board that brought this issue before our city council. He was the only dissenting voice on the board. After discussing the issue with his own church leaders and finding sympathy without practical help, he contacted the Iowa chapter of the Family Policy Council. After the city council meeting, a network formed in our community composed of like-minded Christians. We began meeting together, sharing email messages and educating ourselves on this issue. We also began seriously praying not only for one another, but for individuals in the homosexual community. We longed to win this debate, and to see these men and women find the real source of hope and forgiveness, Jesus Christ.
Civil Rights or Special Rights? Over the course of the next few months, three more public meetings were held. It became clear that this issue had been raised many times in various communities around the country. But the information given at these public meetings was often incorrect. Civil rights protections are NOT granted to every person, group or minority but only to special, protected minorities. The courts have clearly ruled that special civil rights protections are reserved for truly disadvantaged, politically powerless and obviously distinct minorities. Court Appointed Criteria for True Minority Status Qualifying for Special Civil Rights Protections are as follows: 1. As an entire class have suffered a history of social oppression evidenced by lack of ability to obtain economic mean income, adequate education or cultural opportunity. 2. As an entire class exhibit obvious, immutable, or distinguishing characteristics, like race, color, gender or national origin, that define them as a discrete group. 3. As an entire class clearly demonstrate political powerlessness.
Social Oppression Homosexuals, as a class, are not victims of widespread oppression or discrimination as defined by the court. Many have heard disparaging remarks made at the expense of homosexuals and assume this would translate into overt discrimination as described above. That is profoundly false. In our city, several allegations of discrimination were 18
T o d a y ’s C h r i s t i a n D o c t o r
made, but none were confirmed when investigated by the police. Even in communities where this legislation has been enacted, job and housing discrimination is nearly nonexistent. The homosexual lobby has a hard time proving they are disadvantaged. As a group, homosexuals have a higher average income and educational status than most Americans and much higher than truly disadvantaged minorities. For example, more than three times as many homosexuals as average Americans are college graduates (59.6 percent vs. 18.0 percent) Homosexual individuals are several times more likely than average Americans to hold professional or managerial positions (49.0 percent vs. 15.9 percent). Category Average annual household income College graduates Professional/managerial positions Overseas Travelers (1987)
Gay
National
$55,430 59.6%
$32,144 18.0%
49.0% 65.8%
to allow a homosexual club to hold meetings in Churchowned facilities. ◆ Wisconsin’s former Governor Dreyfus signed into law a bill granting protected class status to “sexual orientation” and was assured that the bill would have no effect on religious institutions like the 40-year-old Rawhide Boys’ Ranch, a home for troubled boys. Shortly after Dreyfus left
15.9% 14.0%
Immutable Characteristics Homosexuality does not have obvious or readily identifiable characteristics. As for being “immutable,” there is no evidence of a “gay gene.” Thousands of men and women have changed their sexual orientation and are leading fulfilling heterosexual lives; some have married and are raising families.
Political Powerlessness The homosexual lobby is a powerful and highly organized political force. The Human Rights Campaign, the national homosexual political action committee (PAC), now ranks in the top 1 percent of over 4,500 PACs in Washington, donating millions to their political candidates. Leaders who also claim to be homosexual are prominent in every level of government, business and the media.
Reverse Discrimination? The concern within the Christian community is clear. When special protections are granted to homosexual individuals, then other’s rights are damaged and reverse discrimination occurs. For example: ◆ From California to Florida the Boy Scouts have been kicked out of public schools, denied use of public facilities and even dropped from United Way funding because they have refused to allow homosexuals to be Scout leaders. ◆ The Catholic Archdiocese of Minneapolis was assessed $20,000 in damages and $15,000 in fines because it refused
office, however, two male homosexuals demanded to be hired as boys’ counselors with the express intent of taking Rawhide to court. Rawhide eventually won but not until
Internet Web site:
h t t p : / / w w w. c m d a h o m e . o r g
•
Spring 2004
19
Valuable Resources General Christian Resources http://www.harvestusa.org/ Harvest USA. This is a top-notch organization run by ex-gays who have solid seminary training and minister to those who wish to leave the gay lifestyle. Well-balanced resources. http://www.webpulse.com/wayno/dave/bibgay.htm#bibgay6.htm. An overview of biblical points concerning homosexuality. http://www.americansfortruth.com/ http://www.exodusintl.org/ Exodus International is a non-denominational organization ministering to homosexuals from a Christian perspective. http://www.family.org (Focus on the Family) 1-800-232-6459. http://www.narth.com (Nat’l Assoc. for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality Getting it Straight: What the Research Shows about Homosexuality, editors Peter Sprigg and Timothy Dailey (Family Research Council, 2004). See ad, pg. 21.
Homosexuality and Scripture http://www.leaderu.com/jhs/dallas.html Joe Dallas is an ex-gay Christian leader and former pastor of a Metropolitan Community Church (a “Gay Church”) who now has a ministry to the gay community and in education to Christians. See his books: Desires in Conflict, Unforgiven Sins. The above article is adapted from his book A Strong Delusion: Confronting the “Gay Christian” Movement. http://www.harvestusa.org/Articles.htm#Scriptures A series of articles from Harvest that address homosexuality and the Bible. http://www.desiringgod.org/ Search under Scripture topics to find “homosexuality” and an exposition of Romans 1:24-28 The Other Dark Exchange: Homosexuality from Dr. John Piper, Desiring God Ministries, Senior Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Homosexuality and Civil Rights http://www.leaderu.com/marco/special/spc-toc.html Special Class Protections For Self-Alleged Gays: A Question Of “Orientation” And Consequences A Public Policy Analysis by Tony Marco This is a MUST READ article to get you up to speed on the homosexuality/civil rights issue. Gay Rights: Are They Right? A book that is well-written by a lawyer detailing the gay rights/civil rights initiative and a conservative morally based rational response.
Genetics and Homosexuality “A Gay Gene? What Can We Conclude About the Biology of Homosexuality?” an article by Jeffrey Satinover M.D. http://www.cmdahome.org http://www.leaderu.com/jhs/dallas.html. A good readable review for nonmedical people is incorporated into this paper. http://www.family.org Focus on the Family; 1-800-232-6459. Statistical Abstract of the United States, 1990. http://www.hrc.org Web site for the Human Rights Campaign. Information listed under annual report. World Magazine Dec. 9, 2000 Vol. 15 No. 48. Special Class Protections For Self-Alleged Gays: A Question Of “Orientation” And Consequences: A public policy analysis “Charisma News Service” (Fri, Mar. 23, 2001; Vol. 2 No. 268), p. 45. Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in any of the resources listed here may not represent the official position of CMDA on this issue. The official CMDA position is found on pages 22-23, and at: http://www.cmdahome.org.
20
T o d a y ’s C h r i s t i a n D o c t o r
Wisconsin passed further legislation. Rawhide was left with $30,000 in legal fees. ◆ An undergraduate student judiciary board at Tufts University, which has a nondiscriminatory policy that includes sexual orientation, has stripped the Tufts Christian Fellowship (TCF) of its affiliation with the college over the group’s refusal to consider an openly gay student for a senior leadership position. ◆ A Christian physician, J. Barrett Hyman, lost his fight for the right to refuse to employ homosexuals in his practice because of local ordinances that ban sexual orientation discrimination in housing, public accommodations and employment. As the debate for special rights continued in our city, it became clear that the truth was on our side: the homosexual community does not warrant special civil rights protections. The real motive to promote homosexual “civil rights” is to legitimize a sinful and harmful sexual behavior. The homosexual lobby appealed to emotionalism and accused those of us who disagreed with their position as bigoted, intolerant and “homophobic.” As we simply and prayerfully made known the truth and let the facts speak for themselves, the tide began to turn in our favor and the truth prevailed...for now. If our experience is similar to other communities, the homosexual lobby will continue to bring this up again and again.
What Have We Learned? 1. The debate for special rights for homosexual individuals isn’t going away. Homosexuals comprise only a small percentage of the population (1-3 percent) and yet are one of the most powerful and influential special interest groups in the United States. 2. This is a spiritual battle: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians
6:12). Homosexual individuals are loved by God, and are offered spiritual redemption and regeneration. Our objective is not to merely win a debate or to block pro-homosexual legislation, but to win individuals to Christ. 3. Prayer is key to winning the battle. Since we are engaged in a spiritual conflict we must use spiritual weapons. Put on the “full armor of God.” This includes righteousness and truth from Scripture. We must act with integrity, honesty and compassion. 4. It is wise to seek help in understanding the issues. Whether confronting homosexual activists at a city council meeting or reaching out to those who struggle with homosexuality in your church or community, you will benefit from the network of knowledgeable Christians who are involved with educational and outreach ministries to the homosexual community. 5. Reach out in the love of Christ. Most homosexuals are hurting people; like you and me, in need of a Savior. While speaking the truth, we need to be compassionate to those who struggle with homosexuality in our churches, schools, families and neighborhoods. Ask some of the ministries that have experience in reaching this people group for advice regarding how best to do this. ✝ Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this article are those of its author. CMDA’s recently released position on this subject appears on the following two pages, and can be accessed, with all notes, at: http://www.cmdahome.org. To dialogue on this issue via Today’s Christian Doctor, write TCD; Letters to the Editor; CMDA; P.O. Box 7500; Bristol, TN 37621-7500 or e-mail: main@cmdahome.org, Attn. TCD Editor.
Stephen C. Riggs, M.D., has been a member of CMDA since 1993. He has praticed medicine/pediatrics in Cedar Falls, Iowa, since 1995. He was assisted in creating this article by Today’s Christian Doctor editorial committee member Dr. Gregg Albers.
Internet Web site:
h t t p : / / w w w. c m d a h o m e . o r g
•
Spring 2004
21
CMDA’s Statement on Homosexuality*
A
ll people are loved by God. All struggle with moral failure and fall short of God’s standards; and therefore need the forgiveness that God provides through Christ alone. Homosexuality** is but one of these struggles. While recognizing the need to reach out in love to those struggling with same sex attraction, CMDA opposes the practice of homosexual acts on biblical, medical and social grounds. BIBLICAL ◆ The Scriptures prescribe and promise God’s blessing on life-long heterosexual union in marriage, and chastity in all other circumstances. They are uniform throughout in forbidding the practice of homosexuality. ◆
Same-sex attraction cannot be consummated within God’s design for human sexuality. It is possible by God’s grace for those with same sex attraction to live a chaste life. Choosing to indulge in homosexual acts in thought or deed is sinful. The Scriptures, however, affirm the value of non-erotic same-sex friendships.
◆
Any lifestyle obsessed with and/or dominated by personal sexual fulfillment, whether heterosexual or homosexual, is contrary to God’s law.
◆
Homosexual acts deny the God-designed complementary nature of the sexes and do not have the potential to be procreative.
MEDICAL ◆ The causes of same-sex attraction appear to be multi-factorial and may include developmental, psychosocial, environmental and biological factors. There is no credible evidence at this time that same-sex attraction is genetically determined. ◆
Acting on homosexual attraction is voluntary. Claims of genetic or environmental determinism do not relieve individuals of moral responsibility for their sexual behavior.
◆
Homosexual behavior can be changed. There is valid evidence that many individuals who desired to abstain from homosexual acts have been able to do so.
◆
Some homosexual acts are physically harmful because they disregard normal human anatomy and function. These acts are associated with increased risks of tissue injury, organ malfunction and infectious diseases. These and other factors result in a significantly shortened life expectancy.
◆
Among those involved in homosexual acts, there is an increased incidence of drug and/or alcohol dependence, compulsive sexual behavior, anxiety, depression and suicide.
SOCIAL ◆ Homosexual relationships are typically brief in duration. Homosexual behavior is destructive to the structures necessary for healthy marriages, families and society. Men who commit homosexual acts have a high incidence of promiscuity, child molestation and sexually transmitted infections. Homosexual behaviors burden society with increased medical costs, increased disability and loss of productivity. (continued, next page) 22
T o d a y ’s C h r i s t i a n D o c t o r
◆
Homosexual behavior can be self-propagating. Some homosexual groups and individuals engage in active recruitment. A child who is sexually molested has an increased likelihood of later engaging in homosexual acts. There is also an increased incidence of homosexual activity among children raised by same sex couples. Adoption into such environments puts children at risk.
◆
Legalizing or blessing same sex marriage or civil unions is harmful to the stability of society, the raising of children and the institution of marriage. If the only criterion for marriage were mutual consent or commitment, there are no grounds to prohibit polygamy, polyandry or incestuous unions.
CONCLUSION The Christian community must respond to the complex issues surrounding homosexuality with grace, civility and love.
◆
◆
Christian doctors in particular must care for their patients involved in homosexual behavior in a non-discriminating and compassionate manner, consistent with biblical principles.
◆
Anyone struggling with homosexual temptation should evoke neither scorn nor enmity, but evoke our concern, compassion, help and understanding.
◆
The Christian community must condemn hatred and violence directed against those involved in homosexual behavior.
◆
The Christian community must help society understand that homosexuality has grave spiritual, emotional, physical and cultural consequences. Christians should oppose legislative attempts to grant special rights based on sexual behavior or to equate homosexual relationships with heterosexual marriages.
◆
The Christian community and especially the family must resist stereotyping and rejecting individuals who do not fit the popular norms of masculinity and femininity. Also, it is important for parents to guide their children in appropriate gender identity development. For children who are experiencing gender identity confusion, we must provide appropriate role models and therapy if needed.
◆
The Christian community must encourage and strongly support all those who wish to abandon homosexual behavior.
◆
The Christian community should oppose the legalization of same sex marriage and/or blessing and adoption into homosexual environments.
◆
God provides the remedy for all moral failure through faith in Jesus Christ and the life changing power of the Holy Spirit. *This official CMDA statement was approved by the Trustees and the House of Representatives
**”Homosexuality” refers to male-male and female-female sexual relationships. NOTE: The bibliography and end notes, which are part of the official document, contain nearly 13,000 words (30 pages of mostly single-spaced text). These, and the statement itself, may be accessed via the CMDA Web site at: http://www.cmdahome.org. Internet Web site:
h t t p : / / w w w. c m d a h o m e . o r g
•
Spring 2004
23
by Dan Fountain, M.D. Historical evidence shows that where relationships of trust exist, cultures flourish. Where distrust and dishonesty abound, cultures suffer. The “Great Commission” is more than a call to evangelize individuals. On a larger scale, it is a cultural mandate to bring the Good News to all.
uring the 20th century, a culture war of major proportions has been escalating, a war between secular humanism and faith-based groups. Evangelical Christianity is the principal target of the secular media and academia, and the war actually centers around culture itself. According to secular humanists, culture—values, beliefs and spirituality—is a personal private matter. In their view, because truth is relative, discussions and arguments about whose values and beliefs are right are not only illegitimate but also unethical. In a recent cover article, Time magazine asked the question: “Should Christians convert Muslims?” Although the article was fairly balanced, the implication of the title is that attempts to convert other people are unethical. Unfortunately the response of many of us in the evangelical community has been to retreat from the field. Our fear of confrontation is based largely on our failure to comprehend the real nature of the conflict. We also do not realize the very solid ground underneath us on which to stand and proclaim our faith. We must first of all recognize what culture really is. We then need to understand the historical roots of this war to see how the battle’s lines have been drawn. Finally, we must grasp the cultural mandate Jesus has given us in our commission to bring the Good News to people. This culture war began many centuries ago when the rationalism of Aristotle came into conflict with the spirituality of Christendom. Rationalism,
D
24
T o d a y ’s C h r i s t i a n D o c t o r
while not necessarily denying the reality of the spiritual, insists that spirituality is irrational, unverifiable and therefore not a reliable source of objective or moral truth. Truth can be reliably discerned only through reason and replicable sense observation, that is, by the scientific method. By the 12th century, rationalism had become so powerful and attractive that Christendom capitulated to it and embraced it as the ruling philosophy of the church. It still continues to rule in the church today, even in many evangelical circles. Unconsciously we have allowed “the world around us to squeeze us into its own mold.”1 By accepting rationalism, the church faced a dilemma. According to the Bible, revelation is the primary source of truth, truth about every aspect of life—spiritual, cultural, moral, psychological and physical. Reason and sense observation are also valid sources of knowledge because God gave us intellect and the five senses and commanded us to study and take charge of the created world.2 Revelation, however, cannot be proven scientifically because it is outside the parameters of science. Revelation is not irrational; rather it is supra-rational, above what reason by itself can attain. Once rationalism had become paramount in Christendom, the church had to justify revelation in an alternative way. It did so by “kicking it upstairs,” to use a phrase from Francis Schaeffer.3 The church divided the world into two layers—the upper layer being the spiritual realm where revelation reigns supreme and the lower layer being the
Internet Web site:
h t t p : / / w w w. c m d a h o m e . o r g
•
Spring 2004
25
physical world (the “real world” as some say) where science reigns. As a result of this major worldview change in Christianity, faith became a matter of private spiritual enrichment and also an assurance of an eternal destiny in heaven. It no longer had a role to play in the practical affairs of daily life. For many centuries, people of faith did actively apply biblical principles to practical issues such as civil liberties, social justice and the abolition of slavery. Nevertheless, we allowed this split between the sacred and secular, the spiritual world and practical reality, to become part even of our own thinking. Secular humanism in the 20th century has loudly proclaimed three dictums: truth is relative; all cultures are of equal value; and, religion is private and of no practical importance. There is no absolute standard to determine what is true, morally good or culturally right. With our Christian view of the world now split between the spiritual and the physical, we have no ground acceptable to the world on which to oppose these dictums. The secular media proclaim that all cultures are of equal value. The values, beliefs and assumptions of a people group are what work best for them, and no outsider should try to tamper with them. There is no standard by which the beliefs and values of another culture can be judged, and it is unethical to try to do so. Education about behavior must be “valuefree” and based simply on “Do this, and just say no to that.” Secularism also teaches that religion is a private matter. It is intensely personal, with a focus on another world, with no practical value for the “real world.” All religions are legitimate for those who adhere to them, and it is unethical to try to change the religion of another person or another people. On this basis, Time magazine is right, and our split worldview gives us no rationale by which to proclaim the practical importance of faith and the Christian message in the market places of the world. During the past decade some fascinating developments have occurred to which we should give serious consideration. Leaders in secular academia and in the social sciences of economics and international affairs have come to recognize that culture—attitudes, values, beliefs and underlying assumptions—does indeed have immense practical value. The title of a book published in 2000 by Basic Books sums up this new recognition of the importance of culture: Culture Matters: How Values Shape Human Progress.4 The book is a series of articles by 23 leaders in international affairs who met together in April 1999 in a symposium in Cambridge Massachusetts sponsored by the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies. The symposium grew out of observations made by Samuel Huntington, an economist, who, in 1995, discovered that the economic data in 1960 for Ghana and South Korea were identical,
26
T o d a y ’s C h r i s t i a n D o c t o r
whereas by 1995 the South Korean economy had become the 14th richest in the world while the economy of Ghana had not changed. He recognized that it was the major shift in cultural values in South Korea that made the difference. In other words, culture matters. The assumption of this book is that certain cultural values favor progress, described in terms of economic development, material well-being, socioeconomic equality and political democracy,5 whereas other cultural values impede progress. The authors state that the key value for progress is trust, trust between people that enables them to form cooperative relationships for their mutual benefit. Societies that have high levels of trust between people do well because the resulting cooperation enables them to pool their resources and work for the common good. High-trust societies also have low levels of corruption and thus do not need to invest in structures to reduce abuse. On the other hand, low-trust coun-
tries do not prosper because of the lack of cooperative efforts and the high levels of corruption. The remarkable development of a prosperous agrarian and then industrial society in the U.S. in the 18th and 19th centuries is full of examples of high-trust relationships. The book also makes clear that trust does not exist alone but depends on other cultural values such as integrity, truthtelling, responsibility and accountability. Other values such as hard work, thrift, discipline and a high regard for education also favor economic and social progress. What is of great significance in this culture war is the recognition of many of these leaders that religion has a strong influence on culture and that the cultural values essential for progress were strongly promoted by the Protestant Reformation. They refer to Max Weber’s seminal book The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism6 where he described a key influence of the Reformation as that of spreading the radius of trust to people beyond the immediate or extended family. The graphic representation (on page 29) of the spread of nations according to prosperity and levels of trust makes this clear.7 What the authors of Culture Matters do not discuss is how the Protestant Reformation changed culture. It did so in two ways: 1. By restoring the person to center stage in human life. The defining declaration of the Reformation: “The just shall live by faith” declares that it is a personal relationship with God based on trust in Him and obedience to His will that brings new life. The institution is no longer center stage. 2. By putting the Bible, God’s Word, into the hands of the people in their own language. By setting people free from the domination of hierarchical authority, and allowing them to learn for themselves God’s plan for social life, they came to understand and adopt cultural values that enabled them to extend their level of trust beyond the immediate family to wider circles in the community. Out of this has developed open societies, democratic structures, educational opportunities and increasing prosperity.
Internet Web site:
h t t p : / / w w w. c m d a h o m e . o r g
•
Spring 2004
27
The question facing all of us is this: How can trust be developed among people that can enable them to overcome corruption, fear and greed, and in this way enable them to develop cooperative relationships that foster prosperity, peace and health? The authors of Culture Matters do not have a firm answer to this question. I believe we do, and that our answer is our key offense in the current culture war. We are commissioned to bring the message of Jesus Christ to the peoples of the world. This message is about Good News for eternal life and also about cultural change, namely, a new way of life right here and right now. Has the Lord given us a mandate to change culture? For me the answer is a resounding Yes. In what we call the “Great Commission,”8 Jesus gave us four commands: 1. Go into all the world. His message is for all people, all ethnic groups. 2. Make disciples in all people groups; not just converts, but transformed persons, families and communities. 3. Baptize them into the family of God so they can form trust-enhancing relationships. 4. Teach them everything I commanded you—following Christ’s teaching will change their beliefs, values, behavior and thus their culture.9 What is our starting point? How do we transmit trust to other people? Trust cannot be transmitted by itself. It is more than just a cognitive idea, and we cannot simply teach it as such. It is rather a relationship. Trust develops when those who proclaim it act reliably and demonstrate integrity, honesty, accountability and concern for others. You can trust me if you believe I will act reliably, and vice versa. Even that, however, is insufficient. Trust surpasses human relationships, for it ultimately comes from a relationship with a God who is trustworthy. Which ‘god’ is trustworthy? We believe and proclaim that it is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ as He has revealed Himself in the Bible, in His presence on earth as Jesus the Messiah and by His Spirit dwelling within us. From the very beginning, the Bible declares the trustworthiness of God. Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning Elohim created the heavens and the earth.” Elohim is one of the names of God that He has revealed to us. The Hebrew word Elohim means “the Strong One who binds Himself by the oaths He has made to Himself.” He cannot change, fail or lie
28
T o d a y ’s C h r i s t i a n D o c t o r
because He is internally consistent and absolutely faithful.
The theme of the complete trustworthiness of God echoes throughout the Bible. We must share with the peoples of the world that God is a God who can be trusted. As people see us trusting in Elohim and acting reliably, they will come to trust in God and then in those who likewise trust in Him. In this way, relationships of trust will develop among believers that will help them work together for their mutual benefit. In addition, people will receive the eternal life that God gives to all who trust in Jesus Christ and the new trust relationships resulting from this will enable them to find the abundant life that Christ desires that everyone would have. During our many years of medical service in the Congo, we watched such trust relationships develop among many who came into God’s family and who learned the cultural values God gives by His Spirit. A current focus in mission in the 21st century is on the 10/40 window where live many of the unreached peoples of the world. It is highly significant that these unreached people, many of them in limited-access countries, are extremely poor. Why is this so? Because trust levels among them are low while levels of fear, dishonesty and corruption are high. So the answer to the question of Time magazine: “Should Christians try to convert Muslims?” is that we have a mandate to share Good News with all, including Muslims, about the life-transforming power of faith in God through Jesus Christ. This faith relationship has immense practical value in building trust and the cooperative relationships that lead to peace, prosperity and health. In practical terms, then, how can we transmit trust to people in low-trust societies? The answer is three-fold. 1. We must enter into trusting and non-manipulative relationships with them and by our trustworthiness demonstrate to them what trust really is. 2. We must share with them the Good News about God who is totally trustworthy and also is love. Because of His love He came to us Himself, took into Himself our untrustworthiness (sin) and destroyed both its penalty and its power by dying in our place and overcoming the power of death itself through His resurrection. 3. We can encourage them to enter into a personal relationship with God through Christ and thus receive from God
the power to live trustworthy lives. In the current culture war, what should be our offensive strategy? We have resources in the Christian faith that are demonstrably effective in building trust relationships between people. These relationships lead to prosperity, health and peace. What resources does secular humanism have to accomplish this same purpose? ✝ 1 Romans 12:2 (J.B. Phillips Translation). 2 Genesis 1:28-30. 3 Schaeffer, Francis A., Escape from Reason, InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL 1968. 4 Culture Matters: How Values Shape Human Progress, co-edited by Lawrence E. Harrison and Samuel P. Huntington, Basic Books, New York, 2000. 5 Ibid., page xv. 6 Max Weber, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism translated by Talcott Parsons, Scribner, New York, 1958. 7 From Robert Inglehart, University of Michigan, in Culture Matters, page 90, used by permission. 8 Matthew 28:18-20. 9 Romans 12:2 and Colossians 3:10.
Dan Fountain, M.D., M.P.H., and his wife, Miriam, served as medical missionaries for 35 years in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After spending five years in Michigan with Southwestern Medical Clinic, Dr. Fountain became director of Global Health Training at King College in Bristol, Tennessee.
Internet Web site:
h t t p : / / w w w. c m d a h o m e . o r g
•
Spring 2004
29
by Maria Gallagher
M
any couples who have used reproductive technology in an effort to have children are faced with the daunting dilemma of what to do with remaining embryos that will not be implanted and brought to birth. These socalled “excess” embryos are being targeted for destruction by researchers who promise miracle cures. On the other side of the equation are over two million infertile couples who desire to have children. Many are willing and eager to ‘adopt’ an embryo. As a means to save these tiny lives and bring hope to those who desperately want children, the Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA) catalyzed and planned, along with the Baptist Hospital for Women and Southeastern Fertility Center, the development of the National Embryo Donation Center (NEDC) in Knoxville, Tennessee. Since the announcement of development of the Center in May 2003, over 100 people have called CMDA and the 30
T o d a y ’s C h r i s t i a n D o c t o r
New center offers ethical alternative for life-honoring couples The new Baptist Hospital for Women opened in 2003.
Dr. Jeffrey Keenan
Embryologist Carol Sommerfelt
NEDC, from as far away as Alaska, inquiring about adopting an embryo. “It’s heartrending to hear the pain and desperation in the voices of these callers,” said Margie Shealy, CMDA’s Director of Communications, who has taken many of the NEDC-related calls. “Each caller has shared with me their hope to have children after learning of the NEDC. One of the most powerful desires a human being can have is the wish to have children. And I’d love to promise each and every one of them the opportunity to adopt an embryo, but the Center’s biggest challenge is acquiring the embryos.” The Washington Post reported last year that as many as 400,000 human embryos are now frozen in U.S. fertility clinics, awaiting parents who will agree to raise them. Dr. Jeffrey Keenan, Director of the Southeastern Fertility Center, which oversees the National Embryo Donation Center, notes that fewer than 10,000 embryos in U.S. fertility clinics are now earmarked for donation. Some 10,000 others will be killed for scientific research. The other 380,000 belong to couples who believe they will use the embryos at some time in the future. Many never do. “Not making a decision is the same as making a decision to destroy the embryos, which won’t last forever in liquid nitrogen,” said Dr. Keenan. “The Center offers lifehonoring parents and prospective parents an ethical, compassionate path to bringing a new baby into the world. We are providing this option not only for couples in the United States, but we hope to provide this service for couples in Europe as well.” Baptist Health System CEO, Dale Collins, jumped right in to get the program up and running after an initial discussion with Drs. Jeffrey Keenan and David Stevens. “His support didn’t stop with the facility, which includes the cryopreservation lab, but continues with providing marketing and promotion of the Center,” said Dr. Keenan. “Baptist Hospital for Women administrative support from Mr. John Hellmann and Ms. Martha Chill
Amy Wolfenbarger, R.N.
have also been outstanding, and allowed the Center to get up and running in record time.” The Center takes care of all the medical, legal and social requirements for embryo donation and adoption, while working with an experienced adoption agency for home studies and adoption counseling. Embryo adoption is not, in fact, adoption in the usual sense of the word. According to current law in many states, adoption refers to the placement of a child after birth. As a result, embryo adoption is not governed by typical adoption laws, but by contractual agreements. Though not ideal, these have worked well in the dozens of embryo placements that have resulted in births.
Internet Web site:
New office offers state-of-the-art facilities
h t t p : / / w w w. c m d a h o m e . o r g
•
Spring 2004
31
CMDA’s position on reproductive technology is that IVF can be ethically performed if the couple accepts that they are morally responsible for their genetic offspring. They must insure that each embryo has a chance for implantation, for life. It is encouraging that better alternatives are being developed that may negate the ethical issues involved in freezing embryos. A CMDA member, Dr. Donald Cline, recently published an article in Human Reproduction1 describing a technique to cryopreserve human oocytes. Using this method, the researchers found a 74.4 percent success rate in thawing, and a 59 percent success rate of fertilization. Only the number of embryos that are going to be implanted during that cycle are created; therefore, there is no need to cryopreserve embryos. For now, we have a moral obligation to do what we can to save the lives of embryos that will never be implanted by the couples who created them. “Our goal is to provide a high-quality, scientifically and ethically sound
way to help ensure a loving home for these embryos, who have inestimable value in God’s sight,” said Dr. David Stevens, CMDA’s Executive Director. “But we need our members to make this option known to their patients. We have over 900 members who are obstetricians and gynecologists. These doctors can be actively involved in this life-honoring alternative to destroying unused embryos and to provide infertile patients a way to actually carry and deliver their own adopted children. As Christian physicians and dentists, we have an incredible opportunity that other professionals don’t have. Our patients trust us with the most intimate and fragile areas of their lives. Through the NEDC, you can offer your hurting patients the assistance they need in deciding what to do with their unused embryos. And you can offer your infertile patients a safe way to bear their own children. I challenge you to respond to this call for hope. You can make a difference.” ✝ For more information about embryo adoption, contact the National Embryo Donation Center toll-free at 1-866-5858549 or visit the NEDC Web site at: http://www.embryodonation.org. 1. Jeffrey Boldt, Donald Cline, and David McLaughlin. Human oocyte cryopreservation as an adjunct to IVF-embryo transfer cycles. Hum. Reprod. 2003 18: 1250-1255.
Maria Gallagher is a staff writer for the pro-life Internet news service: LifeNews.com. This is her first article in Today’s Christian Doctor. She was assisted in the creation of this article by CMDA staff Margie Shealy and Jennifer Pickel. pro-life 32
T o d a y ’s C h r i s t i a n D o c t o r
Paid Advertisement
Patients receive personalized care from Dr. Keenan and staff
Advertising Section Colorado. Dentist (Endodontist) - Practice for Sale. Established practice in southern Colorado expressing Christ’s love through the practice of endodontics. Stellar community for family. Priced at one year’s net plus tangibles. Contact Dennis Ray Gimlin; 719-544-7241; 351/0636/2306 drgimlin@comcast.net. Pennsylvania. Long-standing, quality-oriented practice with a general dentist, a prosthodontist plus staff of 12. Associate status, then buy out retiring general dentist. Excellent area for family - cultural & outdoor activities abound. Contact Dr. Boyd at 570-323-6116. 351/0569/2298 Tennessee. Group practice seeking Christian dentist. Modern two-level dental building with in-house prosthetic lab. Great benefits, experienced professional staff. Contact Alamont Dental Associates, Betty Miller, Office Manager; 401 Edgemont Avenue, Bristol, TN 37620; 423-9684422. 351/0634/2301
MISCELLANEOUS! Contracts Reviewed
Curtis E. Harris, MS, MD, JD •Legal opinions, negotiations, and dispute resolutions...from a Biblical perspective •Your goals for a Christian practice and personal time can be guaranteed only if you know what to ask for •Package fee rates from $250-$1000 •580-310-9918 or mdjd@wilnet1.com 351/0222/2305
For Sale: Ciba’s Clinical Symposia, Beginning with Vol. 4#5 - Vol. 46#4 (missing 12 issues). Also 5 clinical monographs. Make best offer. Wilmer A. Harms, MD, 2904-B Ivy Drive, North Newton, KS 67117. Phone 316-283-0549. 351/0635/2303
OVERSEAS MISSIONS! Pakistan - Christian physicians urgently needed for ST/LT in rural Shikarpur Christian Hospital: female (GP/FP, OB/GYN, GS) for OB/general; male/female pediatrician, OB/GYN for ST teaching GYN surgery. Contact Bill Bowman, MD; 714-963-2620; drbillbow@aol.com. 351/0361/2302
POSITIONS OPEN! Family Practice - Growing hospital-based practice in Kansas City, Kansas, is looking to add a second BC/BE Family Practitioner with OB to recently expanded office. Opportunity provides a
faith-based environment with staff that shares same values. Excellent compensation with medical benefits, vacation, and more. Contact: Kara Welter; 913-596-3788; fax: 913-596-4098; email: kwelter@kc.rr.com. 351/0631/2297 Group practice in southeast KY. Full scope of procedures, with OB optional. Emphasis on whole person care, including spiritual care, with practice-based chaplain. Medical missions trips encouraged. Federal and State loan repayment options. Contact Barbourville Family Health Center, Steven J. Sartori, MD, 606-523-2005, sjsartori@pol.net, www.bfhc.org. 351/0587/2304
OPHTHALMOLOGIST! Outstanding career opportunity with worldrenowned ophthalmology practice located in beautiful coastal Florida setting. Our practice was founded on Christian principles by James P. Gills, MD. We currently have opportunities for a Fellowship Trained Oculoplastics surgeon and a Medical Ophthalmologist to join our excellent staff. You may visit our website at: stlukeseye.com EOE, DFWP Fax or email CV to: 727943-3351, jbhouser@stlukeseye.com.
facilities are new and our medical records are computerized. Our support staff is excellent. Hospital is rated among the top 20 small hospitals in the country. Call is 1:3 with no C-sections. Keith Tolar, MD; The Children’s Clinic, 183 Prosser Road, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464; 931-762351/0632/2299 5988; www.drtolar.yourmd.com.
SURGEON! Surgeon(General) - Seeking evangelical Christian BC/BE general surgeon to join GS group in south central PA. Excellent opportunity for short-term missions each year. Call or send CV with cover to Mark D. Roth, MD; 717-7627155; fax 717-762-6929; 45 Roadside Ave., Waynesboro, PA 17268; e-mail mdroth@desupernet.net. 292/0163/0661
POSITIONS WANTED! Missionary surgeon returning summer ‘04 from 2 yrs in Zimbabwe. Looking for a teaching position with emphasis on missions or a surgical practice that devotes time to missions. Boarded, FACS. Contact dsmith@healthnet.zw. 351/0633/2300
ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON! Orthopedic Surgeon needed to join a six physician orthopedic practice committed to providing orthopedic care with compassion as well as excellence. Time off for short-term missions supported. Kearney Orthopedic and Fracture Clinic would like to talk with general and subspecialty orthopedists about the possibility of joining us in practice. The clinic has been in existence 30 years. Clinic owns an on-site, JCAHO accredited Surgery Center. The Clinic and Good Samaritan Hospital are co-sponsors of the Nebraska Joint Replacement Center. Good Samaritan Hospital (207 beds) and its staff of 130 physicians provide tertiary care to a largely rural population in Central and Western Nebraska and Northern Kansas. Kearney, NE, is home to the University of Nebraska Kearney, the Museum of Nebraska Art, USHL hockey team, NIFL football team, the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument and Good Samaritan Health Systems. We can help with financial aspects of relocation, sub-specialty training and/or school loan repayment. Please contact our Medical Director, Dr. Steve Brestin at 308-865-1407 or sbrestin@kofc.kearney.net. Our business manager, Vicki Aten, can be reached at 308-865-2512 or vaten@kofc.kearney.net. 342/0467/2119
Whether short-term or full-time, Blessings International assists Medical Missions by being a source for: 1. Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies 2. Expertise in selecting needed medications 3. Guidance in building medical teams and operating short-term clinics For a pharmaceutical application and bulletin, contact:
PEDIATRICS! Pediatrician - Join 2 other pediatricians in this thriving rural practice. Candidate should be a well-trained pediatrician with a passion for Jesus, a compassion for the poor, and an urgency to redeem a generation of children for Christ. Our Internet Web site:
MEDICINES
FOR MISSIONS
Paid Advertisement
DENTAL!
Blessings International P.O. Box 35292, Tulsa, OK 74146-0292 918-250-8101; info@blessing.org www.blessing.org
h t t p : / / w w w. c m d a h o m e . o r g
•
Fall 2003
33
Advertising Section ANESTHESIA!
MED/PEDS!
GREAT OPPORTUNITIES! SC; NM; VA; FL; NC; NY; OR; TX; WA.
OPENINGS IN IL, KY, LA, MI, MN, NC, PA, OH, TN, WA.
GENERAL SURGERY!
NURSE PRACTITIONER!
EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITIES! AL; AZ; CO; KS; LA; MD; MI; MN; NY; OH; OK; PA; TX; UT; WA; WI.
OPENINGS IN CA, CT, IL, OH, OR, TN, TX, WA.
ORTHOPAEDICS! GREAT OPPORTUNITIES! AL; AZ; CO; IL; MI; MN; NC; NE; NM; OH; SC; TN; TX; VA.
PLASTIC SURGERY; SPINE & VASCULAR SURGERY! Contact Cathy Morefield 888-690-9054 fax CV to 423-844-1005; or e-mail: cathy@cmdahome.org
CARDIOLOGY! Chicago - (CD-124). Interventional or invasive cardiology. Family-friendly suburb. Indianapolis - (CD-122). Electrophysiology & general cardiology. Optional teaching / research.
DERMATOLOGY! Alabama - (DM-113). High earning potential. Christian group near Tuscaloosa.
GASTROENTEROLOGY! Florida - (SG-213). Historic coastal town. Fast growing practice. High reimbursement rates. Indiana - (GI-130). Christian practice in Southern IN. Voted one of America’s best small towns.
HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY! Pennsylvania - (ON-110). Christian environment near Philadelphia. Ideal place to raise a family.
INTERNAL MEDICINE! Tennessee - (IM-245). Christian group. New offices. Busy Knoxville practice. Washington - (MS-198). Multi-specialty group. Hospitalist or traditional opportunity. Additional Opportunities in Every Specialty!
Contact: Aaron Paulus 1.888.690.9054 ajpaulus@cmdahome.org
34
T o d a y ’s C h r i s t i a n D o c t o r
Tennessee - South (PD-173). Join 2 pediatricians in this thriving rural practice.
OB/GYN! OPENINGS IN CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MD, MN, MO, NV, NC, OH, OK, TN, VA, WA, WI. California - (OB-261). Group of 3 OB/Gyns searching for fourth. Call 1:4 with new physician. Ohio (OB-252). Excellent opportunity to join a 4physician and 1 certified physician assistant group near Columbus, OH.
PEDIATRICS!
Tennessee - (NU-108). Solo Neurologist wanting to grow his practice. Currently in a 7 doctor rotation on weekends. Texas - (MS-204). Opportunity for Neurologist to practice with a Neurosurgeon. For information on these positions
Contact Rose Courtney: 888-878-2133; fax CV to 423-844-1005; or e-mail rose@placedocs.com.
FAMILY PRACTICE! FP-878 (Southeastern Colorado). Community Health Center seeking FP with OB. 4 physicians. Call: 1:4 - 6. NHSC site. Will consider J-1 and H1-B candidates. FP-863 (Atlanta, GA). 2-physician practice needing FP, no OB. Inpatient and outpatient work required. May use hospitalist for inpatient if desired.
Openings in CA, CO, FL, IL, KS, MA, MO, NM, NC, SC, TN, VA.
MS-243 (Hawaii). Community Health Clinic to open doors in Summer 2004 searching for 2 FPs, one to serve as Medical Director.
California - Southern (PD-207). Physician searching for someone to join him and eventually take over the practice. Call is about 1 day a week and one weekend every 6 weeks.
FP-891 (Northeast Massachusetts). Practice located an hour north of Boston near coastline needing FP, no OB. Mostly outpatient work. Call 1:4.
South Carolina - (PD-208). Solo practitioner searching for someone who is compassionate and missionary-minded who will join him in his rapidly expanding practice.
FP-871 (Western Maryland). Independent practice searching for FP with OB. Call schedule is 1:3 on weekdays and weekends.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT!
FP-903 (Western North Carolina). Independent practice located in rural town searching for FP, no OB. Inpatient and outpatient required. Call 1:3.
Openings in CT, OH, OR, TN. Ohio - (FP-906). 2 physician Family Practice group searching for a mid-level provider. Tennessee - South (PD-173). Join 2 pediatricians in this thriving rural practice.
PSYCHIATRY OPENINGS IN AR, FL, IL, MD, MN, NE, NC, TX. Arkansas - (PS-139). Mid-south’s largest Christian residential treatment facility for troubled kids searching for a psychiatrist. Approximately 90 residents at this time.
NEUROLOGY! OPENINGS IN MO, NC, OH, TN, TX. Missouri - (NY-111). Group of 5 neurologists seeking another physician to join group.
FP-612 (Western New York). Single-specialty group consisting of 7 physicians searching for FP, OB optional. FP-793 (North Central Ohio). 3- physician practice needing FP, no OB. Mostly office work. Inpatient referred to hospitalists. FP-892 (Dallas, TX suburb). 3-physician practice needing FP, no OB. Inpatient/Outpatient. Call 1:7 weekdays, 1:10 weekends. FP-817 (Salt Lake City, UT suburb). 5-physician practice searching for 1 to 2 physicians, OB optional. Call 1:12.
Contact Allen Vicars: 888-690-9054; fax CV to 423-844-1005; or e-mail: allen@cmdahome.org.
Uncover EnduringStrength THE BREAST CANCER CARE BOOK is an essential
sourcebook—and companion— for medical answers, emotional help, spiritual strength, and relational support for women with breast cancer.
NEW LIGHT ON DEPRESSION is written for those who suffer from depression and those who want to help—family members, pastors, friends—this book equips you with the knowledge and tools to move toward a life of joy once more.
THE INFERTILITY COMPANION is a thorough
Paid Advertisement
Christian guide to the medical, ethical, emotional, marital spiritual, and biblical challengs of infertility.
W W W. Z O N D E R V A N . C O M
AVAILABLE WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD
June 9 - 13, 2004 Gaylord Opryland Texas Resort and Convention Center Grapevine, Texas (Dallas area)
For more information, call the Meetings Department at 1-888-230-2637 or visit the website at http://www.cmdahome.org
CHRISTIAN MEDICAL P.O. Box 7500 Bristol, TN 37621-7500
& DENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID Bristol, TN Permit No. 1000