volume 47 no. 1 spring 2016
TODAY’S
CHRISTIAN DOCTOR The Journal of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations
finding Your
MISSION
IN THIS ISSUE
IN
DENTISTRY
A Christian physician enters the national primetime spotlight
Steps to evaluate career options beyond clinical practice
Finding guardian angels on the mission field
CENTER FOR MEDICAL MISSIONS
MEMBERSHIP
VOICE IN PUBLIC POLICY
MEDICAL EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL
LIFE & EXECUTIVE COACHING
GLOBAL HEALTH RELIEF GLOBAL HEALTH OUTREACH
COMMISSION ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING
CAMPUS & COMMUNITY MINISTRIES
DENTAL MINISTRIES
MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT
45+ MINISTRIES. 1 MISSION. Changing Hearts in Healthcare. We are a Christ-centered organization dedicated to motivating, educating and equipping you to be the hands of Jesus in your practice, your community and your world. We offer you discipleship, fellowship, mentoring, resources and missions opportunities to share the gospel and serve others. Become a member of CMDA today and join the thousands of Christian healthcare professionals who are changing hearts in healthcare. Visit www.joincmda.org to join today!
P.O. Box 7500 Bristol, TN 37621 888-230-2637 www.cmda.org
How Can You Know God’s Will? Growing up, I wanted to be an astronaut—a space traveler. My plans were to become a pilot and then apply to the U.S aeronautical program. One of my favorite pastimes was laying out in the yard at night and dreaming about the adventure of space exploration. I was serious about this up to my mid-teens. Neil Armstrong walking on the moon in 1969 was exhilarating!
As you read the following articles in this ediOver the subsequent years, I have grown to tion of Today’s Christian Doctor, consider those love several passages of Scripture as a reminder same six questions. As you read about CMDA’s of God giving direction and working in my life. Dental Residency, is God opening a door for you to get involved with this program? As you read ¥ Proverbs 3:5-6—“Trust in the Lord with about non-clinical career options, is God callall your heart and lean not on your own ing you to explore different practice options? As understanding; in all your ways submit to you read about a physician who found himself him, and he will make your paths straight” in a unique national spotlight, do you feel God desiring for you to take steps in a new direction (NIV 2011). ¥ Psalm 37:4—“Take delight in the Lord, to share His love? As you read a touching story and he will give you the desires of your about a patient who was brought to the Lord on a short-term mission trip, do you hear God heart” (NIV 2011). calling you to serve on an upcoming mission We have said and heard spoken many times, trip? What doors and windows is God opening “If I only knew what God wanted me to do, I in your life? How is your vision changing as you would do it!” Perhaps. Frequently, medical stu- seek to know His will? dents and residents seek my counsel on knowEven though I ended up changing my mind ing God’s will in various situations. We invariand did not become an astronaut, I did obtain ably review the following six points: my private pilot license and fly on a regular ba1. What is the counsel of a wise, usually sis, just not into outer space! Currently, I’m an older and more experienced, person obstetrician/gynecologist in private practice in the U.S. after having served as a full-time miswho knows me? 2. Do I have or can I obtain the abilities, sionary in the Central African Republic—a journey that is a far cry from walking on the moon knowledge and skills to do the task? and flying through space. 3. Can I make a difference? 4. What is my heart’s desire? Discerning and obeying God’s will is an ad5. What do I believe the Lord is leading me venture I continue to live on a daily basis. How to do? 6. Does one of the choices go against a re- different that adventure would have been if I hadn’t changed my mind and starting focusing vealed biblical principle? on finding His will for my life. God may say “no,” “yes” or “maybe in the So what does God want you to do with your future.” God, however, cannot be manipulated. If, after earnest prayer and self-evaluation, a life? �
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God is sovereign, loving and almighty. And He can and does open and close doors of ministry and work. I am not saying I have no fear or concern as I take steps to and actually do walk through an open doorway! Concern and fear are normal; however, I am compelled to move forward with what I believe God is leading me to do.
president
You might ask, “What changed your mind?” Well, a girlfriend asked the question, “Don’t you have to have perfect vision to be an astronaut?” Sure enough, she was right. And that’s what changed my mind. After a period of sadness came the decision to search for what God wanted me to do with my life.
door opens, walk through the doorway. I might hesitate or go slowly, but I go through the open door. I have seen individuals be paralyzed by the decision and do nothing but watch the open door, and they never go through it!
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contents Today’s Christian Doctor
I VOLUME 47, NO. 1 I Spring 2016
The Christian Medical & Dental Associations ®— Changing Hearts in Healthcare . . . since 1931.
5 12
Transformations COVER STORY Finding Your Mission in Dentistry
26
19 21
CMDA Ministries List
Exploring CMDA’s outreaches, missions, services and more
Interview with an American Ninja Warrior
with Richard Shoemaker, MD
A Christian physician enters the national primetime spotlight
by Autumn Dawn Galbreath, MD, MBA
Steps to evaluate career options beyond clinical practice
by Jennifer Perry, DDS
A journey through CMDA’s Dental Residency program
Outside The Box: Doctors in Nontraditional Careers
30 34
Angels in Dentures
by Emily Craft, DDS
Finding guardian angels on the mission field
Classifieds
INTER ACTIVE Visit www.cmda.org/ classifieds to find more online classifieds.
REGIONAL MINISTRIES
Connecting you with other Christ-followers to help better motivate, equip, disciple and serve within your community
Western Region Michael J. McLaughlin, MDiv P.O. Box 2169 Clackamas, OR 97015-2169 Office: 503-522-1950 west@cmda.org
Midwest Region Allan J. Harmer, ThM 951 East 86th Street, Suite 200A Indianapolis, IN 46240 Office: 317-257-5885 cmdamw@cmda.org
Northeast Region Scott Boyles, MDiv P.O. Box 7500 Bristol, TN 37621 Office: 423-844-1092 scott.boyles@cmda.org
Southern Region William D. Gunnels, MDiv 106 Fern Dr. Covington, LA 70433 Office: 985-502-7490 south@cmda.org
Interested in getting involved? Contact your regional director today!
transformations
TODAY’S CHRISTIAN DOCTOR®
EDITOR Mandi Mooney EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Gregg Albers, MD John Crouch, MD Autumn Dawn Galbreath, MD Curtis E. Harris, MD, JD Van Haywood, DMD Rebecca Klint-Townsend, MD Robert D. Orr, MD Debby Read, RN VP FOR COMMUNICATIONS Margie Shealy AD SALES Margie Shealy 423-844-1000 DESIGN Ahaa! Design + Production PRINTING Pulp CMDA is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).
TODAY’S CHRISTIAN DOCTOR®, registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. ISSN 0009-546X, Spring 2016, Volume XLVII, 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© 2016, Christian Medical & Dental Associations®. All Rights Reserved. Distributed free to CMDA members. Non-doctors (US) 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. Undesignated Scripture references are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Scripture references marked (KJV) are taken from the King James Version. Scripture references marked (MSG) are taken from The Message. Copyright© 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. Scripture references marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright© 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture references marked (NIV 2011) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture references marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright© 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Other versions are noted in the text. For membership information, contact the Christian Medical & Dental Associations at: P.O. Box 7500, Bristol, TN 37621-7500; Telephone: 423-844-1000, or toll-free, 888-230-2637; Fax: 423-844-1005; Email: memberservices@cmda.org; Website: http://www.joincmda.org. If you are interested in submitting articles to be considered for publication, visit www.cmda.org/publications for submission guidelines and details. 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.
Protecting Your Right of Conscience Have you heard of the court case Stormans v. Wiesman? This case from Washington State was about whether pharmacists could be forced to dispense emergency contraceptives that could cause the death of an embryo. A federal court stated they could not, but the state appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Ninth Circuit overturned the ruling. This shocking outcome not only disregards the rights of pharmacists, but the legal theories expressed by the court of appeals could be used to force healthcare professionals from all disciplines to violate their conscience or risk their license. The logic of the court could easily expand beyond emergency contraceptives and could be used in efforts to force healthcare professionals to refer for and/or perform abortions, physician-assisted suicide or any other medical intervention irrespective of their convictions. This case has now been appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, and we must overturn this decision or tens of thousands of Christians will be driven out of healthcare. Currently, we are working with Alliance Defending Freedom on an amicus curie (friend of the court) brief to submit to the Supreme Court on the behalf of healthcare professionals around the country. By the end of January, CMDA had received more than 4,000 signatures to this important brief. (The brief was scheduled to be submitted to the Supreme Court after Today’s Christian Doctor went to print.) This is such an important issue for us all. A CMDA survey revealed that 95 percent of our members would leave healthcare before violating their conscience. That is why we are committed to protecting the healthcare right of conscience. For more information about CMDA’s efforts on your behalf, visit www.cmda.org/roc.
Greece Tour 2016: In the Footsteps of Paul October 1-10, 2016 • www.cmda.org/greece Have you ever wished you could have been present during certain events described in Scripture? The experiences you will have on this trip will bring you close to fulfilling that wish. Join Dr. David and Jody Stevens as they follow the journey Paul took through Greece described in Acts 16-20. CMDA continues to offer this trip each year because our members who have gone before say it is the most meaningful and inspiring trip they have ever taken. After being filled with wonderful insights in the Word of God, we will spend the last four days and three nights cruising the Mediterranean Sea. The group is intentionally kept small, so sign up early. The fellowship with CMDA colleagues, biblical education and inspiration will have a lasting impression. For additional informaINTER ACTIVE tion about the trip or to register online, visit www.cmda.org/greece. Visit www.cmda.org/greece to register.
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transformations
Member Award H. David Pope, Jr., MD, of Kerrville, Texas, was named the 2015 Physician Emeritus by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians (TAFP) during the organization’s 2015 Annual Session and Primary Care Summit on November 14, 2015.
flight surgeon school and completing a general practice residency at a charity hospital in Louisiana, Dr. Pope fulfilled his calling and became a practicing family physician in 1961.
After graduating high school second in his class, getting his undergraduate and medical degrees from Tulane University, an internship with the Air Force, three months in
Dr. Pope continues to travel to the Texas-Mexico border for Christian missions, serves as Physician of the Day during the Texas Legislature every session and is active in his church and community. He is a lifetime member of CMDA.
Dale Ragle, MD (right), presents the 2015 Physician Emeritus Award to CMDA Lifetime Member H. David Pope, Jr., MD (left). Photo credit to TAFP/Jonathan Nelson.
He practiced in many different environments over the years—solo practice, a multi-specialty clinic, a 100-bed Catholic hospital, Christian missions all over the world, as medical director for numerous nursing homes and more. He was vital in the creation of what is now known as the Texas A&M Family Medicine Residency program in Bryan, as well as TAFP’s Brazos Valley Chapter.
In His Image provided me with excellent medical training and also showed me how to use medicine as a ministry and see each patient as Christ does. Through the Spiritual Curriculum, Counseling Track, mentorship of exemplary faculty physicians and fellowship with like-minded residents, my heart continued to grow for those in need around me.
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My husband and I were encouraged and challenged to grow as a couple through weekly Bible Studies, conferences and retreats sponsored by IHI. We believe that IHI helped equip and spur us on toward a calling God placed on our hearts serving the underserved! I am currently working at a rural federally qualified health center in a diverse community, serving for God’s glory.
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TRANSFORM: CMDA’s National Convention
April 21-24, 2016 • LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center • Ridgecrest, North Carolina This convention is a great opportunity to discover how to “Transform Our World” as you fellowship with Christian healthcare professionals, learn about current health and social issues, renew your faith through worship and network with exhibiting organizations. You don’t want to miss this event! Register today at www.cmda.org/nationalconvention.
PLENARY SPEAKERS Joni Eareckson Tada She is the founder and CEO of Joni and Friends International Disability Center. A diving accident in 1967 left her a quadriplegic in a wheelchair, without the use of her hands. She is an international advocate for people with disabilities. Vishal Mangalwadi Vishal is the founder and President of BOMI/ Revelation Movement, and he is an Indian philosopher and social reformer. Through Revelation Movement, he focuses on discipling nations through church and internet-based education. John Patrick, MD He is President and Professor of the History of Science and Medicine at Augustine College in Ottawa, Canada. Dr. Patrick speaks to Christian and secular groups around the world on moral issues in medicine and culture, as well as the integration of faith and science.
Oxford Graduate School
David Stevens, MD, MA (Ethics) Dr. David Stevens serves as CEO for CMDA. He previously served as a missionary doctor in Kenya helping to transform Tenwek Hospital into a premier mission healthcare facility. As a leading spokesman for Christian healthcare professionals in America, he has conducted hundreds of television, radio and print media interviews.
WORSHIP LEADER Stephanie Seefeldt Stephanie loves to lead God’s people in congregational worship, using both historic hymnody and modern worship music. At Trinity Church in Baraboo, Wisconsin, she serves as organist and worship coordinator, as well as women’s ministry and communications director.
INTER ACTIVE Visit www.cmda.org/nationalconvention to register.
Become a world
changer
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Loren Humphrey, MD, PhD Member CMDA Chairman, Board of Regents Oxford Graduate School �
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THE CENTER FOR BIOETHICS & HUMAN DIGNITY PRESENTS
T h e 2 3 rd A n n u a l S u m m e r C o n f e r e n c e
transformations in
Care JUNE 16-18, 2016 on the campus of TRINITY INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY DEERFIELD, IL USA
PLENARY SPEAKERS
Michael Balboni,
Gary B. Ferngren,
Kevin T. FitzGerald,
Robert D. Orr,
PhD, ThM, MDiv
PhD
SJ, PhD, PhD
MD, CM
Harvard Medical School
Oregon State University
Georgetown University
About the Transformations in Care Conference: From the early establishment of hospitals as philanthropic endeavors to the modern era of healthcare, the context and care for the patient have evolved with ever-increasing rapidity. Join us as we explore transformations occurring in the paradigms and practice of clinical care and clinical ethics, the rising emphasis on professionalism and spirituality, as well as prospects for the future of care through developments in precision medicine.
Carol Taylor, RN, PhD Georgetown University
REGISTER REGISTER TODAY FOR DISCOUNTED PRICING
www.cbhd.org/conf2016
CBHD Members: $319 (before April 1st) $269 (before April 1st) $359 (after April 1st) $309 (after April 1st)
CONTINUING EDUCATION AVAILABLE
transformations
Event Calendar
For more information, visit www.cmda.org/events. Marriage Enrichment Weekends April 15-17, 2016 – Georgetown, Colorado April 18-20, 2016 – Asheville, North Carolina www.cmda.org/marriage
Emerging Leaders in Dentistry Symposium June 10-12, 2016 Bristol, Tennessee www.cmda.org/dentalsymposium
TRANSFORM: CMDA’s National Convention April 21-24, 2016 Ridgecrest, North Carolina www.cmda.org/nationalconvention
Deer Valley Summer Family Conference June 18-25, 2016 Nathrop, Colorado www.cmda.org/deervalley
Voice of Christian Doctor’s Media Training May 13-14, 2016 Bristol, Tennessee www.cmda.org/mediatraining
Spring Canyon Summer Family Conference June 25 – July 2, 2016 Buena Vista, Colorado www.cmda.org/springcanyon
Proverbs 27:23
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c Memoriam and Honorarium Gifts d Gifts received October through December 2015 John and Elizabeth Curlin in honor of Louis Carter Dave and Betsy Polstra in honor of Jim Fortenberry, MD Eric Edwards, PhD, MD, in honor of the CMDA Board of Trustees Mr. and Mrs. Gary Edwards in honor of Eric Edwards, PhD, MD Dawson Academy in honor of the Dawson Academy and Staff and Friends Joel and Susan Herring in honor of Emmett and Jeanne Herring Randy and Susie Rumph in honor of Dr. Ross Rumph James and Carson Kistner in honor of Drs. Julia and Matthew Schaffer William G. Whitaker in honor of Judy and Dan Bradley Katharine G. Ikeler in honor of Michael R. Ikeler, MD Dr. William and Mrs. Linda Johanson in honor of the CMDA Staff William G. Whitaker III in honor of Mary and Johnny Mobley Robert and Lois Ritter in memory of Dr. Eric Crabtree Todd and Mary Wayne in memory of Dr. Eric Crabtree Gary and Linda Davis in memory of Dr. Eric Crabtree Robert and Leah Crabtree in memory of Dr. Eric Crabtree Curtis and Jody Drevets in memory of Dr. Wilmer Harms Sharon Grush in memory of Michael L. Grush, MD Janet and Thomas Titkemeier in memory of Marvin Reinhart Rosalyn R. Adams in memory of Solomon K. Brown, MD Jeffrey Williams in memory of Neil and Lil Williams Larry and Esther Kutz in memory of Mr. Jim McLaughlin Jeff Anderson in memory of Ronald Privette For more information about honorarium and memoriam gifts, please contact stewardship@cmda.org.
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SEEN & HEARD VOICES OF CMDA
Voices of CMDA in Missions “(This mission) stretched my comfort zone in sharing with fellow Christians. It increased my comfort with third world anesthesia and my appetite for serving and decreased my desire for things…more so than on past missions. We heard many times (from our national partners) that the teams GHO sends are their favorite because of our love and Christ-like attitudes.” —CRNA on a GHO trip to Guatemala “Part of the reason that I went on this trip was to see if I felt led to global health because of the people that I had met in the Balkans or because that I feel a calling to work with people in other cultures. I think that the truth of the matter is that it is both now. I have felt over the past couple of months that my purpose is to use my medical knowledge to advance the Great Commission.” —A team member on a MEI trip to Mongolia “I think this short-term mission trip reaffirmed the path God has chosen for me in becoming a physician. Yes, maybe I will help heal some folks along the way, but it’s more so that being a physician opens doors and allows me to be an ambassador of God and model Christ’s purpose.” —A physician on a GHO trip to Southeast Asia “(My) most memorable encounters were opportunities to share biblical wisdom and share the gospel with some of our hosts (students, junior colleagues, etc.). There was both spiritual curiosity and spiritual confusion, and I know that we
Website Directory Members
Resources
Automatic Dues – cmda.org/autodues Join CMDA – joincmda.org Membership Renewal – cmda.org/membershiprenewal
Chapel & Prayer Ministries – cmda.org/chapel CMDA Bookstore – shopcmda.org Commission on Human Trafficking – cmda.org/humantrafficking Continuing Education – cmda.org/ce Ethics Hotline – cmda.org/hotline Events – cmda.org/events Life & Executive Coaching – cmda.org/coaching Marriage Enrichment – cmda.org/marriage Medical Malpractice – cmda.org/mmm Placement Services – cmda.org/placement Publications – cmda.org/publications Scholarships – cmda.org/scholarships Speaker’s Bureau – cmda.org/speakers Stewardship and Development – cmda.org/giving
Ministries Outreaches Campus & Community Ministries – cmda.org/ccm Dental Ministries – cmda.org/dentist Side By Side – cmda.org/sidebyside Specialty Sections – cmda.org/specialtysections Women Physicians in Christ – cmda.org/wpc
Missions Center for Medical Missions – cmda.org/cmm Commission for Advancing Medical Missions – cmda.org/camm Continuing Education for Missionaries – cmda.org/cmde Global Health Outreach – cmda.org/gho Global Health Relief – cmda.org/ghr Healthcare for the Poor – cmda.org/domestic Medical Education International – cmda.org/mei Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons – cmda.org/paacs ���
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Issues American Academy of Medical Ethics – ethicalhealthcare.org Ethics Statements – cmda.org/ethics Freedom2Care – freedom2care.org Washington Office – cmda.org/washington
Voices of CMDA in Ministry
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“I can’t imagine where I would be today without CMDA.” —A CMDA member
TRANSFORMED?
“CMDA has been nothing less than a blessing for me the past year. Entering dental school I was fearful for the stresses associated with a vigorous educational program and began to pray for fellow believers to encourage me along the way. The Lord kindly answered that prayer generously through the community I have with CMDA. Both students and professionals have impacted me in a special way. I am encouraged daily on how to better equip myself to share the love of Christ in school and my future practice. Seeing students, faculty and professionals serve our chapter despite the time school and work requires has been wonderful.” —A CMDA student member
ARE YOU
were able to speak truth into those situations. We were seen as ‘different’ than most others they’ve interacted with, in a good way. Jesus’ words were validated: ‘By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another’ (John 13:35, ESV).” —A team member on a MEI trip to Southeast Asia
HAVE YOU BEEN
TRANSFORMING OTHERS?
We want to hear from you Send your transformation story, letter or photos to communications@cmda.org or to P.O. Box 7500, Bristol, TN 37621. Please include an email address for us to contact you.
“During the first set of exams for the first year medical students, we gave out free bagels and drinks between their two toughest exams. We were set up right outside the exam room, and as they exited their exam and looked up to see a table of food for them, you could immediately see their eyes light up. It gave us a chance to talk to a significant amount of the students one-on-one and see how things were going. It gave us some publicity for the group, as well as simply giving us a chance to show God’s love on these very stressed out students. One student even exclaimed, ‘This is exactly what Jesus would do!’ It was such an easy thing that showed love, care and concern for the students in the new class.” —A CMDA student member
We want to hear your story It can be a simple comment about a CMDA ministry; it can be an account of your experiences on a missions trip; it can be a profile of a member who has had a huge impact upon you; it can be photos from a campus meeting; it can be statistics showing how your trip served the needy; it can truly be anything— we want to see how your work is making a difference.
“Because of CDA I was able to meet some of my best friends throughout dental school. These friends have made a big impact on my personal walk with Christ and my day-to-day life as I get through school. If anything, I wish I had gotten involved earlier in my dental school career.” —A CMDA student member
We want to hear your ideas
“Freedom2Care is a wonderful organization. If you want to impact our country by getting your voice heard, they will show you the bills that the Christian medical community is trying to impact by sending letters to your senators. They have the bills, already made out letters so you type in your information and based on your zip code will actually submit to your representatives. I sent over 10 letters in maybe 10 minutes. On items such as banning abortions after 20 weeks when a developing child can feel pain, banning our tax dollars for paying for abortions, protecting the religious rights of those who do not believe in same-sex marriage and more. We can make a difference. Christians are losing their rights by being silent. Your voice can be heard and can make a difference.” —A Freedom2Care legislative action site user
Do you have a great idea for Today’s Christian Doctor? Send your ideas to communications@cmda.org.
TRANSFORMATIONS SHOWCASING THE IMPACT OF CMDA ONE STORY AT A TIME
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cover story
finding Your
MISSION IN
DENTISTRY by Jennifer Perry, DDS
INTER ACTIVE Visit www.cmda.org/dentist to learn more about CMDA’s Dental Residency [+] program and more resources for dentists.
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s I entered “Ms. V’s” room, I could see her neck and leg braces, and as I came around the dental chair to greet her, I could see pain in her face. Two days before, she was hit by a car while crossing the road and her two front teeth were broken all the way to the nerve. It was obvious her entire body hurt, but she said the pain from her teeth was simply unbearable. I explained she would need root canals to save the teeth, but her insurance would only cover the procedure on one tooth. Thankfully, we ended up finding a way for her to be able to afford the other tooth as well. When I saw Ms. V again after her root canals, she was free from any tooth pain and could finally talk, eat and smile again. We were able to pray for her and thank the Lord for His provision and her spirit of joy throughout the process. Not once did she complain about anything and she always greeted everyone with a warm smile. She’s waiting for insurance money to come in again until she returns to our clinic for a full exam, but we know we’ve given her a huge part of her life back with her mouth no longer being in pain. She also now knows the Lord loves her and He brought her to us to receive the treatment she needed to save her teeth, treatment she would have been unable to afford at a private practice. Ms. V is only one of the countless patients I’ve had the opportunity to treat at Christ Community Health Services (CCHS) in Memphis, Tennessee through CMDA’s Dental Residency [+] program. This residency trains and equips dentists just like me to provide excellent dental care to the poor domestically and internationally in response to the call of Jesus to preach the gospel and heal the sick. “Now as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel. But the Lord thundered with a loud thunder upon the Philistines that day, and so confused them that they were overcome before Israel… Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us’” (1 Samuel 7:10,12, NKJV). I have spent the last year working as a first year resident in this program, and it has been incredible to where the Lord is taking the residency. As Photo by Jason Stevens �
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a part of a brand new Christian dental residency program. And I wasn’t alone. Elise Rich, DDS, and I both accepted offers to be the first residents of this program because we understand that it encompasses so much more than just dental training. The three characteristics that make up the framework of the program are dental care excellence, discipleship and community.
I look back on my time in Memphis, I can see moments that have added up like stones in an altar and, just like Samuel, I can say, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” ********************************
Residency Year
The Lord brought me to Memphis through my involvement with CMDA in dental school. As a CMDA student member, I heard about the program and was so excited because everything the Lord is calling me to do with dentistry is rolled up into this program. The CMDA Residency [+] program provides a unique combination of exceptional clinical experience and discipleship. The dentists who go through the program intend to spend their lives serving the underserved through dentistry in urban areas or internationally among unreached people groups. In both scenarios, graduating dental students benefit greatly from clinical training with difficult cases, exposure to living cross culturally in a neighborhood of need and intentional discipleship to be able to train others in the future. It was exactly what I was looking for to take the next step in my journey to follow God’s call, so I applied and then went through the interview process. Before I knew it, I was leaving Texas for the first time in my life to be ���
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Residents in the program complete a Lutheran Medical Center Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Residency with clinical training at Christ Community Health Services and the University of Tennessee. During this year, residents alternate weekly between the dental school and the CCHS clinics. During the week at the dental school, we spend time learning complicated procedures and working with complex cases. Then we spend the alternate week at the CCHS dental clinics providing care for the underserved in Memphis. We have wonderful mentors in the CCHS clinics and are learning a great deal, including dental implant procedures and working through complex cases with medically compromised patients. As we learn more about dentistry, we are also mentored as we grow and learn what it means to carry the gospel into our professional work in the clinics. That’s where the discipleship portion of the program comes in. In addition to what we learn in the dental clinics on a day-to-day basis, we also participate in weekly “Plus Program Nights.” On a weekly basis, we spend time together learning, growing and sharing our own experiences in the program. This time is set aside for personal growth and development as to what it really means to be a dentist who is a true follower of Christ. Elise and I cherish these nights and have learned a lot from the discussions, readings and friendships we have developed through them. Another large part of the program is learning how to
live our entire lives missionally and be examples of Christ in all we do, especially in our community. One way we do this is by living in the same inner city neighborhoods where many of our patients also live. We also meet for church in houses in these same neighborhoods. It’s been amazing to see the different relationships formed within the church and with our neighbors. One of our community outreach programs includes going to designated preschools and elementary schools to complete dental exams and some minor treatment for the students. Trying to do exams on 30 wiggling 3, 4 and 5-year-olds may sound daunting, but it is one of my favorite things to do at CCHS. Many of the children I see have no cavities, but a handful always break my heart because I know this little person smiling up at me is either in pain or will be soon because almost all of their teeth are black and brown with decay. But we have hope, because we know these children now have an open door to come to our clinic through the dental report we send home explaining their need. The first year in the program was a great experience, and I am thankful for all the Lord taught me through it. I would not have applied to do more advanced education if not for this program, and I have learned invaluable information because of it. “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
[+]1 and [+]2 Years
a goal of praying with at least a few patients every day. It’s a small step, but there is already evidence of the Lord working in people’s lives. The Lord has also been faithful in spreading the news of what He is doing here. We’ve had visitors ranging from dental students, to missionaries, to dental specialists. Two students came to stay with us for a few days and shadow us to see what life looks like here in Memphis. God is doing something with this residency, and His work is evident by the people being drawn to it. One key aspect of this section of the program is a month-long international rotation each resident completes during the [+]1 Year. I am headed to Kenya in March, while Elise recently returned from the Middle East where she worked with Bedouins and refugees. It is exciting to hear her tell stories of the way she got to see God’s kingdom spread in that area and the people she was able to share life with for a month. While treating refuges here in our clinics in Memphis, she has already had a chance to practice the little dental Arabic that she picked up while overseas. She returned from the Middle East with a renewed spirit in what God is doing globally and how privileged we are to be a part of it. An excerpt from her journal is included on page 17. Dental care is one of the greatest unmet needs of the poor in our country and around the world. Dentists are
Elise and I are both now in the [+]1 Year of the program. For the next two years, we will be working fulltime in the CCHS clinics providing care to the underserved, training other residents, learning about practice management and growing in leadership. But before we moved into these new roles, we had the privilege of praying for and helping select two new residents to join us in Memphis. Josephine Verlanic, DDS, and Monique Trice, DDS, moved to Memphis in June 2015, and it’s been a joy making them part of our Memphis family as they journey through their AEGD residency year. These two new residents work at different Christ Community sites, and they both spend time working with us in clinic. It has been an incredible experience mentoring people who are where we were just a year ago. Now that Elise and I have finished the AEGD residency year, we’ve started working in the CCHS dental clinics. It’s been difficult, but fun, stepping in as fulltime healthcare professionals. We are now able to see patients more consistently and think of different ways we can bring Christ into the clinic. So far, we have set �
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extremely underrepresented in healthcare missions. One of the goals of this residency program is to train residents to start residency programs in mission hospitals to then train national dental missionaries who will serve their own people. “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
Beyond the Dental Chair
As we continue to walk through the next steps of our journey, Elise and I are being prepared to go where the Lord is calling us to go next, wherever that may be. And that’s because our training has always focused on going beyond the dental chair. Our education didn’t simply stop when we completed the classroom portion of the residency. Instead, we are being equipped to boldly love God and love our neighbors through dentistry among the poor, both domestically and internationally, through this program. Maybe the Lord is calling us to provide care to the underserved at clinics similar to CCHS in other areas of our country. Maybe He’s going to open the doors for us to use dentistry as a means to share the love of Christ with unreached people across the world in underdeveloped nations. Maybe God is even calling us to establish like-minded residency programs across the U.S. to help raise up and disciple other dentists who feel God’s calling to serve the poor and spread the gospel. No matter what He has planned, I have no doubt the Lord is using this program to further His kingdom and will continue to do so in the future. “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
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And just like Samuel prayed to God for His protection through battle in 1 Samuel 7, we are praying for God to guide our steps as we seek to do His will. I invite you to pray with us. Pray for wisdom and guidance in the next steps as we proceed. Pray for this program and God’s ministry here in Memphis to continue to take root and be a strong flagship for potential Christian residencies in other locations of the U.S. and overseas. Pray for guidance on where the Lord wants new residencies to be located. Pray for clarity on what the Lord is calling each of us to do upon completion of the program. And most importantly, pray for us to be obedient to God’s call to serve Him in all we do. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV 2011). For more information about the CMDA Dental [+] Residency, please visit www.dentalresidency.org.
About The Author
Jennifer Perry, DDS, is a second year resident in the CMDA Dental Residency [+] Program. She graduated from Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry.
Notes from the Middle East by Elise Rich, DDS
T
hree weeks ago, when I stepped off the plane and stood around waiting for more than an hour for my bags, a lady robed in all black with her head covered started a conversation with me and welcomed me to her country. The conversation ended with an offer to stay at her house near the airport if the late luggage made me miss my ride. This was my introduction to a very hospitable culture where God is doing great things. In the last three weeks, I have seen extreme poverty and heard stories of people barely escaping ISIS, but I have also seen the work God is doing and how faithful He is. Today in clinic I treated a 24-year-old male patient who, from all appearances, was a normal middle class citizen. He spoke English well and stated he was an engineer and wanted to learn another aspect of engineering. But when the bombings started in his area, there was no way to continue his schooling and he eventually had to flee. He wanted to know what needed to be done with his front teeth because they had several dark stains on them. The patient stated that he thought the darkness was from eating “ice” for a week. I looked at him quizzically and asked why he was eating ice for a week. The patient then realized he had used the incorrect word for what he was trying to describe, and after a little communication we both realized he meant “snow.” I repeated my question and asked when he ate snow for a week. The patient looked at me and very nonchalantly stated that when he had to flee his home, all he had to eat for a week was snow. This was only the first patient of the morning. Later this afternoon I was chatting with a younger gentleman who told me he had a degree in design from the institute of computer and technology in the country he was from. However, he never got to use his degree. One evening his dad got a call from a Muslim friend stating that ISIS had come into their city and were targeting Christians, so they needed to leave as soon as possible. With no preparations, they got in their cars and drove north. He was now a refugee and could not use his degree. He had applied for refugee status in a couple Western countries, but he was still waiting to hear back after more than a year. I tried to sympathize with him, but he interrupted me, “Doctorah, I wish I had a skill set like you because then I could really be like Jesus and help the poor and those that are needy. Right now all I do
while I am waiting for the refugee status is help and volunteer in the church here.” I did not know how to respond. This young, recently married man has a degree he cannot use because he is a refugee who fled his home with a couple of family members, but his real concern was that he was not helping the needy and spreading Jesus’ name well enough through his work with the local church. There is no way these stories don’t affect you. They are men and women just like me; young professionals who were born in different areas to different families and live different lives but, through Christ, have a yearning to make Jesus known through the nations. My definition of suffering would be in part what these young men and women went through, yet their hearts and minds are on greater things. It gave me an entirely new outlook on James 1:2-3, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (NIV 2011). The news outlets and social media are covering the terrorism and terrible things going on in the Middle East. Yet no one gives tribute to the people on the ground ingrained and engaged with their culture who are serving and loving people in the name of Christ, in spite of suffering and persecution. I have been so privileged to meet these brothers and sisters, and, honestly, I am completely humbled God granted me the opportunity to witness His work, hear stories and meet people whose lives have been changed for the gospel in an area of the world that instills fear in so many people.
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Women die in childbirth every day in PNG
Dentist for every 100,000 people in PNG
C
ome help us Make a difference
YWAM Ships Kona exists to reach the most isolated and disadvantaged islands in the Pacific. Using ships to access these villages is not just the best option… it is the only one.
Whether it’s two weeks or two years, come on board the m/v Pacific Link and use your skills to bring hope to the isolated islands of Papua New Guinea. We rely on a global volunteer base of medical professionals, dentists, midwifes, and opticians to help provide even the most basic education and health care to places of desperate need. For these forgotten families, your service truly makes a world of difference — and the impact is eternal.
www.ywamships.net
SAIL
STUDY
SERVE
MISSIONS
OUTREACHES
CMDA MINISTRIES LIST The core of CMDA’s ministry happens in local communities where healthcare professionals, residents and students live out the character of Christ. Our outreach ministries are dedicated to transforming the lives of healthcare professionals through evangelism and discipleship. www.cmda.org/ministry CAMPUS & COMMUNITY MINISTRIES
SIDE BY SIDE
A network of more than 120 local graduate ministries and more than 260 campus chapters providing opportunities for members to connect and live out the character of Christ in their practices, on campus and in their communities. cmda.org/ccm
A network of more than 50 local chapters to encourage, support and minister to women in healthcare marriages through fellowship, Bible study and prayer. Each local chapter meets the unique and individual needs of its community. cmda.org/sidebyside
DENTAL MINISTRIES
SPECIALTY SECTIONS
An outreach supporting dental professionals and students as they integrate their Christian faith into all aspects of their lives, while providing opportunities for training and equipping. Also includes the CMDA Dental Residency [+] program. cmda.org/dentist
A wide variety of specialty sections formed to equip, network and provide a voice for CMDA members to their areas of specialty or service. Organized by CMDA members who wish to connect with their colleagues. These sections include: academic, academic surgery,
A major component of CMDA’s ministry efforts is missions, and we are dedicated to domestic and international healthcare missions. We provide numerous opportunities for healthcare professionals to use their God-given skills to meet the needs of others around the world and share the gospel with them. www.cmda.org/missions CENTER FOR MEDICAL MISSIONS A program designed to serve domestic and international healthcare missionaries in their work, as well as aid in the recruitment, training and retention of career healthcare missionaries. cmda.org/cmm
COMMISSION FOR ADVANCING MEDICAL MISSIONS A commission that is dedicated to recruiting, educating, equipping and networking future and present healthcare missionaries through mission events. cmda.org/camm
CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR MISSIONARIES An annual 10-day multiple track continuing education and spiritual renewal conference for healthcare missionaries currently serving in international mission outreaches. cmda.org/cmde
dermatology, emergency medicine, family medicine, physician assistants, pediatric, psychiatry and uniformed services. cmda.org/specialtysections
WOMEN PHYSICIANS IN CHRIST A ministry that encourages and supports Christian women physicians and dentists in the unique challenges women face. It is a key resource for women in integrating their personal, professional and spiritual lives. cmda.org/wpc
GLOBAL HEALTH RELIEF A short-term missions program that focuses on bringing health and hope to people affected by disasters around the world through medical, dental, spiritual and psychological care and support. cmda.org/ghr
MEDICAL EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL A short-term missions program that sends more than 30 teams to teach in academic or clinical settings to bring transformation by advancing medical, dental, bioethical and educational knowledge while sharing the gospel. cmda.org/mei
GLOBAL HEALTH OUTREACH
PAN-AFRICAN ACADEMY OF CHRISTIAN SURGEONS
A short-term missions program that sends 40 to 50 medical, dental and surgical teams around the world each year. GHO disciples participants, grows national churches, shares the gospel and provides care to the poor. cmda.org/gho
A program that trains and disciples African surgeons to glorify God and provide excellent, compassionate care to those most in need. There are now 11 residencies at established evangelical mission hospitals in Africa. cmda.org/paacs
RESOURCES & SERVICES
CMDA’s wide variety of resources and services help us fulfill our mission to motivate, educate and equip Christian healthcare professionals and students. These resources and services give our members the knowledge and tools they need to effectively serve the Lord. www.cmda.org/resources CHAPEL & PRAYER MINISTRIES
LIFE & EXECUTIVE COACHING
A network of CMDA’s staff and members to pray for the ministry and our members. Also includes online recordings of bi-weekly chapel services held at CMDA’s headquarters. cmda.org/chapel
A personalized resource with certified coaches who assist healthcare professionals in finding balance in addressing both the professional and personal issues of everyday life. cmda.org/coaching
COMMISSION ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING
LIFE & HEALTH RESOURCES
An effort to abolish human trafficking through policy initiatives, education, raising awareness and providing clinical services to victims. cmda.org/humantrafficking
CONTINUING EDUCATION We offer continuing medical and dental education courses as we are accredited by the ACCME to provide AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ and an Academy of General Dentistry Approved PACE Provider. cmda.org/ce
ETHICS HOTLINE An on-call program to assist members facing difficult patient care decisions, provided by Christian physician ethicists who also formulate CMDA’s ethical position statements. Reach the hotline at 423-844-1000. cmda.org/hotline
EVENTS A variety of more than 40 topical, local, regional and national conferences each year for training and networking including TRANSFORM: The CMDA National Convention, the Global Missions Health Conference and more. cmda.org/events
A distribution service for CMDA-produced and recommended resources through the CMDA Bookstore, including Just Add Water, Grace Prescriptions, Prescribe-A-Resource and a variety of other valuable resources. shopcmda.org
MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT A ministry that provides four to six conferences per year that address the unique needs and stresses of healthcare marriages, offering couples the opportunity to nurture and grow in their marital relationships. cmda.org/marriage
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE MINISTRY A program assisting healthcare professionals facing malpractice lawsuits with prayer, educational resources and encouragement from a network of healthcare professionals who have faced malpractice suits themselves. cmda.org/mmm
MEMBER SERVICES A department that assists CMDA members with information regarding the resources and services available through CMDA, as well as membership
recruitment, renewals and retention. cmda.org/members
PLACEMENT SERVICES A recruiting service that brings together Christian healthcare professionals and practices throughout the U.S. to enhance their ministry and advance the kingdom of God. cmda.org/placement
PUBLICATIONS A wide variety of informational print and electronic resources published by CMDA to encourage, equip and motivate readers, including Christian Doctor’s Digest, Today’s Christian Doctor, Weekly Devotions and many others. cmda.org/publications
SPEAKER’S REFERRAL BUREAU An online self-referral speaker’s bureau of CMDA members who can be contacted for local, regional or national events. These recommended speakers are available for a variety of topics and issues. cmda.org/speakers
STEWARDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT An educational service that encourages CMDA members to be good stewards of the gifts given them by God, with resources to help protect their assets and provide for loved ones while building the kingdom. cmda.org/giving
VOICE
CMDA is dedicated to serving as a Christian voice, as well as offering valuable resources on today’s current healthcare topics to our members. Our voice outreaches speak for our members to the government, media, church and public on bioethical and public policy issues while also training Christians to be effective advocates themselves. VOICE OF CHRISTIAN DOCTOR’S MEDIA TRAINING An individualized training workshop for members to learn how to prepare for media interviews and give Christian perspectives on ethical questions and general health topics. cmda.org/mediatraining
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS A library of public service announcements on ethical and healthcare topics available to radio stations. cmda.org/psa
NEWS RELEASES
WASHINGTON OFFICE
CMDA’s responses to breaking news on vital healthcare issues resulting in hundreds of media interviews each year. cmda.org/newsroom
A department of CMDA that serves as a liasion with Congress, the White House, federal agencies and non-governmental organizations in Washington, D.C. Also provides opportunities for federal employment, Congressional testimony and committee service. Includes the Freedom2Care coalition to advance conscience rights in healthcare and provide other legislative updates and tools. cmda.org/washington
STATE PUBLIC POLICY CAMPAIGNS Grassroots campaigns to promote lifehonoring legislation and referendums at the state level on physician-assisted suicide, embryonic stem cell research and other issues. cmda.org/publicpolicy
Christian Medical & Dental Associations • P.O. Box 7500 • Bristol, TN 37621 • www.cmda.org
AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR—““Las Vegas Finals” — Pictured: Rich Shoemaker—(Photo by: David Becker/NBC)
with Richard Shoemaker, MD �
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AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR—“Orlando Finals”— Pictured: Rich Shoemaker—(Photo by: Alex Menendez/NBC)
ast fall, Richard Shoemaker, MD, an emergency room physician living and working in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, found himself in the national spotlight while competing on American Ninja Warrior. On this NBC show, competitors battle through a series of challenging obstacle courses in both city qualifying and city finals rounds across the country. Those who successfully complete the finals course in their designated region move on to the national finals round in Las Vegas, Nevada. In this Q&A interview, Dr. Shoemaker shares his experiences on the show, how he did in the competition and how he used the national platform to share his faith.
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in the local community and church, involvement with CMDA, etc.
I am 39 years old, living in Philadelphia with my wife Ana and four children. I grew up in Cheltenham, a suburb of Philadelphia, went to college at Juniata College in Central Pennsylvania, attended Temple University College of Medicine for medical school and then Drexel University for emergency medicine residency. I practice at Crozer Keystone Hospital System. We live just a few blocks from our church, where I am an elder. In many ways, it would be much easier to live outside the city, but we want to be a part of what God is doing through our church in the local community. I have been on the CMDA Council for Philadelphia, but stepped down a few years ago and
currently work with Medical Campus Outreach, a local ministry that works alongside CMDA in a few cities and is run through Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. I have discipled medical students for about eight years now.
How did you first get involved with American Ninja Warrior (ANW)?
I had never seen the show prior to fall 2014. I was asked almost simultaneously by my cousin and a close friend to apply with them for the 2015 season. I have been rock climbing for 20 years, so I felt like my fitness level was where it needed to be for an ANW course. After I applied and submitted my video in November 2014, both my cousin and friend backed out and did not apply. I did not hear anything until April 2015 when I got a phone call informing me I would be running in Orlando in four weeks! Fortunately, I had been training for climbing all winter, but I had never been to an obstacle gym and was unsure if I could do the obstacles. There are a few obstacle gyms around Philadelphia and I found the best one about 45 minutes from my house. My first day there I was able to complete all the obstacles I attempted.
What kind of training did you do in order to prepare for the competition?
I ran the course in Orlando, I ran at 5:30 a.m. after waiting around all night, but my body was quite used to working hard on no sleep.
Tell us about your journey through American Ninja Warrior.
My journey through ANW was surprising. I did not expect to have so much fun and make so many new friends. After arriving in Orlando, Ana and I immediately met a few other athletes who are very open about their Christianity, and as the day went on, we met more and more Christians, from Shaun Murray, the famous wakeboarder, to Travis Rosen, who has competed on every season of the show. On Sunday, May 10, more than 100 athletes ran in the city qualifiers in Orlando. (I missed the group prayer that Travis Rosen led that night, but I was able to take part in an intimate time of prayer before we ran the city finals course the following night.) I beat the course for the city qualifiers, but my time left me in 12th place out of 30 athletes going on to the city finals, which took place the following night. I was confident I would beat the city finals course which was simply to repeat the six obstacles from the city qualifiers, plus four new upper body obstacles. Unfortunately, I unexpectedly fell on “Cannon Ball Alley.” However, only six of the 30 athletes were able to get further than I did, so it came
I have a long history with rock climbing, which left me way ahead of the curve for competing on the show. But I wanted to make sure I did my best. Being almost 40 years old meant I needed to train hard. But being a husband, father of four, full-time emergency room doctor and elder in my church meant I did not have a lot of time. I work nights, so I would work out every morning for 30 minutes after my overnight shifts before going to sleep all day. On Mondays I would go to the obstacle gym, on Wednesday nights I would go to my local climbing gym and Fridays were known as “Fearful Fridays!” My friend, who had asked me to apply with him then backed out, decided he should repay me by training me on Friday mornings. I would meet him at the climbing gym after having worked all night. Most of the ANW courses take about four minutes to run, so he would put me through various exercises for four minutes with no rest, then 10 minutes of rest and then do it again for two hours. When �
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down to our fastest times to determine the top 15. I ended up in 13th place and was on my way to the national finals in Las Vegas, Nevada.
What happened when you went to the finals in Las Vegas?
NBC paid for me to fly and stay in Vegas for a week in late June, and my wife and two sons came out as well. Interestingly, I met more Christian ninjas in Vegas. There are four stages of the Vegas national finals. A total of 100 athletes run the first night to try to beat Stage 1. On night two, the remaining ninjas run Stages 2, 3 and 4. On the night we ran Stage 1, I was number eight, by luck of the draw. I made short work of the first three obstacles and was having a great time when I found myself staring down the Spider Jump. In this obstacle you have to run up to a trampoline, jump off it over an eight-foot span of water and stop yourself by compressing your body in a four-foot wide hallway with one hand and foot on one wall and the other hand and foot on the other wall. I felt a little nervous as I ran up to the trampoline and felt myself studder-step as I approached it, which took away some of my momentum. I flew through the air and locked my body in the four-foot hallway, making contact with all four limbs, and then I was all wet. I still don’t quite know what happened, but I had fallen into the water. I was out of the competition.
The show focuses quite a bit on the camaraderie that develops between the competitors. Did you experience that camaraderie?
From my first interaction with the other athletes through the end in Vegas, the camaraderie was like nothing I have ever experienced in athletics. I thought I would be stewing in a seething cauldron of nerves while waiting to run. But when all the competitors spent the night strategizing with me about how to tackle the obstacles and then stood on the fence cheering for me, my nervousness melted away. The times of prayer we had before running the courses were more than just camaraderie. I keep in touch with many of the athletes from Orlando and Vegas.
As a physician, you have a lot of responsibilities on your plate. How did you balance your training schedule with your responsibilities at work, at home, at church, etc.?
I’m not sure how I do what I do and keep life in balance, but by God’s grace, I believe I am able. I ask my wife regularly, “How am I doing?” “Are you getting enough of my time?” “Are the kids getting enough of me?” She will tell me if I’m overcooked, but most of the time she tells me I am doing ok. In some ways, it is physical activity that helps me keep life in balance. As an ER doctor, my sleep schedule is in constant flux. If I can make sure I get a hard workout in, I don’t have to worry about how I am going to sleep that night/day. So staying active is a survival strategy. Having weekdays off when the kids are in school and friends are at work leaves me with time for thinking, private prayer, Scripture reading, reflecting and other responsibilities. It also leaves me with time to get to the gym without neglecting family and friends.
Why was the training and competition important to you?
AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR—“Kansas City”— Pictured: Brent Estep— (Photo by: Kyle Rivas/NBC) ���
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To be honest, it was not all that important to me at first, but it became important. In my submis-
sion video, I stated that my motivation for applying was that I have seen many young men and women in our culture delay career and family in order to play and have fun…as if a career and family would prevent those things. I wanted to show younger folks that, through family and career, life is much more exciting. I still have a ton of fun, not in spite of my career and family, but in and through them. When I ran the courses, one of the greatest experiences was having Ana and the kids on the sideline walking the course with me. The image I have of my wife and daughter as I got up the warped wall and hit the buzzer is hard to describe. A close friend from medical school, one of my partners in the ER, a physician assistant, a respiratory technician and two nurses flew to Vegas to watch my run, as well as my extended family. Standing on the starting platform before my run, with family, friends and coworkers just a few feet away in the stands sending out their love, was perhaps my most memorable moment from the whole experience. It is important to me that young men and women see me as an example of someone whose life did not stop when I got married, had kids and started a career. Investing in relationships will never make life dull; rather, it enhances all the experiences we have.
Did your faith have any impact upon the overall experience? If so, how?
My faith definitely connected me to the other Christian athletes. Before we ran in Vegas, a few of us from Orlando decided to pray again before we ran. What started with three or four people turned into about 40 athletes gathered for prayer to Jesus. We asked for courage, strength and a positive testimony about Jesus whether we succeeded or failed. It was very powerful to be a part of that time. My faith has helped me manage the hype. In the aftermath, I got a lot of attention from local media, friends, neighbors and even random people who would recognize me on the street or in the ER. I have never been asked for my autograph before, but since the Orlando episode aired, I have been giving out autographs weekly. My faith has helped me keep these 15 minutes of fame in perspective, and I asked others to pray against an inappropriate sense of self-importance. In the end, it’s just an obstacle course and I am just a man. Saving a life at work or praying with my children should get me much more excited than someone wanting my autograph, but giving autographs is novel and made me feel more important than it should.
The Lord put it on my heart that our proudest moments are ones we want to record and watch over and over again, or even post on social media to show others. In essence, we want to re-live the moment over and over. Christ’s proudest moment was an event that His Father turned away from and His best friends and mother could hardly stand to watch. If it was on video, it would not be something Jesus would want to watch over and over in order to re-live. Why are our proudest moments so qualitatively different then our Lord’s? This has humbled me, as attention comes my way.
What’s the biggest takeaway you have from the experience?
God can use any experience you have for your good and His glory. I had no idea what was in store for me going into this competition. I actually thought it might be a waste of time and money. I can see now God’s hand governing it all. Ana and I have had one of the competitors stay with us for the weekend while we competed in a local obstacle race. She is a Christian and is going through some person struggles. We were able to pray with her and encourage her. The owner of the obstacle gym wants to talk to me about faith issues. In a very strange way, it has brought to light some conflict issues in my extended family that have been lying dormant, so we are now able to address them. Only moving ships can be steered. As Christians, we should be moving in our culture so God can steer our lives in the direction He chooses.
Do you think you will compete on the show again?
I just submitted my application for Season 8. At first the decision was easy, as my friends and family all wanted me to re-apply and so did I. I had a few injuries in the fall that left me a bit discouraged, but ninjas overcome obstacles—that is the point of the show. But above that statement, followers of Jesus, by His grace are strengthened to do whatever He calls them to do. So Lord willing, pending any injuries, I will be competing again in 2016. Please pray for me! �
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OUTSIDE Doctors in THE BOX: Nontraditional by Autumn Dawn Galbreath, MD, MBA
Careers
INTER ACTIVE Visit www.cmda.org/coaching for more information about how coaching can help navigate non-clinical career options.
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y favorite part of medicine is the moments I spend in direct patient care and in talking with specialists about patients. All the rest of it I find pretty unsatisfying. I feel limited by my inefficiency as well as pretty painful hand arthritis, so I had mixed feelings about the prospect of increasing my hours doing medicine after my kids were launched.
So began Dr. Ann Tsen’s journey from clinical practice to a nontraditional career. She is not alone in her dissatisfaction with some aspects of medical practice and her search for an alternative career path. Many physicians at varying stages of life are finding themselves considering alternative career paths—often, much to their own surprise. It’s safe to say very few of us graduated medical school intending to do anything other than practice medicine. We weren’t sure where the healthcare system was going or what our practices would look like exactly, but we knew we wanted to care for patients. We slogged through the mire of medical school and weathered the long nights of residency with that goal ever before us. For most of us, the goal was what got us through. Without our love of patient care, we might have quit long before graduation day. It was all so clear then... But somehow, like Ann, a great number of physicians now find themselves less certain. Even those who still love caring for patients often find the pressures too much to bear. The time away from home and family, the continually increasing administrative burden and decreasing remuneration, the litigious atmosphere, the hospitals and employers appropriating our time as if it were their own. On some days, even that grateful patient who brings homemade cookies to the office doesn’t balance out the pressures. Many of us are tired, harried and stressed, and we feel like we have lost touch with our purpose as physicians. Debbie Cardell, MD, says she struggled with “unhappiness and untenable pressures. There were competing interests and pay structure that punished good doctors. Our current healthcare industry and health education system is not changing in ways that I agreed with.” For Debbie and many others, this toxic cocktail leads to burnout, and they find themselves evaluating other career options. “What if I hadn’t gone to medical school? What would I be doing instead?”
“I’m a highly educated professional. Surely there is some other job out there that I can do.” “I’ve got to get off this treadmill and take control of my own life. I have to make a change.” Of course, there are other jobs out there, and a change might be appropriate for you. There are options for adjusting your clinical practice: job sharing, part-time, shift work, missions, executive wellness, concierge medicine, regulatory or workers compensation or insurance physicals, occupational medicine, locum tenens, on-site healthcare and others. There are non-clinical healthcare jobs: pharmaceutical industry, healthcare administration, insurance, writing and medical communications, expert witnessing and legal medicine, public health, consulting, research and others. And if you want to leave the healthcare industry altogether, there is no limit to your options.
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I have a chance to reflect the light of Christ through my work with non-Christian colleagues. I am supporting my medical colleagues in their work, and that is a satisfying ministry. —Clydette Powell, MD
But how do you evaluate your options? How do you make this kind of decision? I recently embarked on a small study of physicians who are working in nontraditional careers. It was not a scientific survey, but more of a collection of anecdotes. I talked to eight physicians, both male and female, rang�
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ing in age from 40 to 70. Their nontraditional roles include medical writing, medical administration, insurance review, executive wellness, nutrition and health coaching, missions, missionary education, non-profit administration, public health and international development, life coaching and even a church pastor. Their reasons for embarking on nontraditional careers varied, but some important themes emerged as I explored their career choices. And I believe these physicians have some wisdom to share with the rest of us. ********************************
You don’t have to leave clinical practice. Seven of the eight physicians surveyed are still involved in clinical practice to some extent. As they moved into nontraditional roles, they maintained their medical licenses and continued to practice, sometimes with reduced hours in their prior clinic setting, sometimes in a different type of practice, sometimes on short-term mission trips and sometimes moonlighting outside of usual work hours. Some of them did this out of love for patient care, and some to supplement income, but all noted that it is valuable to maintain licensure and keep their clinical skills up to date.
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I feel my impact has expanded. If I can help a woman physician regain her sense of mission and joy in practice…then she is able to impact her patients, colleagues and family in a much greater way. —Ann Tsen, MD
Dr. Tsen said, “I have considered quitting (practice) completely…but I do not feel called to do that
and would really miss seeing patients. I really enjoy exercising my mind in a scientific, diagnostic way while helping people navigate their healthcare.” Her nontraditional career path as a Physician Life Development Coach allows her to do both.
You might do more than one job. Again, seven of the eight physicians surveyed are working in more than one job. A transition to a nontraditional career does not necessarily involve closing one door and walking through another. As Gloria Halverson, MD, experienced, there is often a “gradual transition over time” from full-time clinical care into full-time nontraditional work. And often there is a long-standing combination of jobs, allowing a physician to find the “best of both worlds” by working in varied jobs, each utilizing a different set of skills.
You have to have experience. Every physician in our sample set had significant (at least five years, many more than 20 years) experience as a practicing physician before making a job transition. Particularly if you plan to work in a nontraditional role within the healthcare system, it is imperative that you understand the system well. Experience in clinical practice also brings credibility with fellow physicians, who are known to be reluctant followers of an administrator. You need to speak the clinical language and understand all aspects of care delivery in order to be effective in any administrative role in healthcare. In addition, glean as much experience as possible in non-clinical areas. Serve on committees, spearhead projects, do the dirty work others shun. Learn to lead effectively within an organization.
You might want another degree. Some of our physicians had additional degrees, specifically a master’s of public health and a master’s of business administration. According to our participants, an additional degree is helpful, but not necessarily required, depending on where you wish to work. If you decide that you want to pursue an additional degree, you do not have to stop working and go back to school. Numerous executive master’s degree programs are designed precisely for working professionals, and some of these programs are even specific to physicians.
Your medical degree is extremely valuable. Even if you are leaving healthcare entirely, your medical training is a valuable asset. It taught you how to communicate. It taught you how to work as part of a team. It taught you sympathy and em���
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pathy with others, and it taught you how to work with people in crisis. It gives you credibility in a variety of settings, because physicians are known to be intelligent, capable, goal-oriented people who are willing to work hard.
come to an end. He used the transition to grow my faith. I had to be willing to ‘turn loose’ of what I had in order for Him to show me the next step—not knowing the destination, but trusting that He knew where to lead me.”
Your new role can enhance your sense of professional and personal fulfillment.
As Christian healthcare professionals, God promises to direct our steps, even as we are making our own plans. As Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (NIV 2011). Despite the changing healthcare landscape and all the swirling questions, that reassurance is more than enough!
A nontraditional job, whether pursued instead of, or in addition to, clinical practice, will teach you new skills and utilize skills that have long lain dormant. Dr. Tsen commented that it is “nice to know you can do more than just medicine and discover other skills you have outside of doctoring.” And Brian Byrd, MD, echoes that his role as an executive pastor “allows me to use gifts that don’t get exercised during clinical practice.” Clydette Powell, MD, said she is “challenged in a positive way to search for…solutions.” In addition to the professional fulfillment, Dr. Cardell summarized the difference her career change has made in her personal life: “I have more time with my children, more time to take care of myself and be the example I like to be for my patients. My marriage is better than it’s ever been and I LOVE motivating people to be healthier. I feel I am working at the opposite end of the spectrum than I was working before.”
Your ultimate goal is to further God’s kingdom. In their most important advice, 100 percent of our participants noted that they made their career changes as a result of God’s calling in their lives. They said their ministry is different from what they had in full-time clinical practice, but they continue to minister to those around them. Their jobs are platforms for their lives as Christians, just as their practices were. Some even said that they have more opportunity to minister in their new roles. ******************************** As you evaluate your career options, be mindful of God’s guidance. How has He gifted you? How can you use those gifts to glorify Him? What are your motives— are you running away from something, or are you running to something better? Where can God best use you to further His kingdom? CMDA’s Senior Vice President Gene Rudd, MD, found that God’s guidance crystallized as he grappled with these issues during his career transition: “For months I was reluctant to consider leaving clinical medicine, thinking God had placed me there for ministry. He had placed me there, but it became clear that calling had
Editor’s Note: Dr. Galbreath presented pieces of this research and material at both the 2014 and 2015 Women Physicians in Christ annual conferences, and both sessions were highly received by attendees facing the same problems of burnout, dissatisfaction with healthcare and others. For more information about Women Physicians in Christ, visit www.cmda.org/wpc.
About The Authors
AUTUMN DAWN EUDALY GALBREATH, MD, MBA, is an internist in San Antonio, Texas. She earned her medical degree at the University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio, where she also completed her internal medicine residency. She received her master's of business administration at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. She has filled a variety of traditional and nontraditional roles during her career, including medical school faculty, medical administration and clinical practice in both internal medicine and urgent care. She currently serves as a medical director for Aetna Insurance Company. She lives in San Antonio, Texas with her husband David, a restaurateur, and their three children, Coggin (17), Eleanor (15) and Norah (8), along with a menagerie of animals. She has been involved in CMDA since medical school, having served as student chapter president, resident liaison to the local council, local council member and Women Physicians in Christ commission member and past-chair. �
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INTER ACTIVE Visit www.cmda.org/gho to learn more about upcoming mission trips with Global Health Outreach.
Angels in ���
Dentures
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e were approaching the end of our fourth and final day in Alianza, Honduras, and our team still had a lot of flippers (partial dentures) to make. We were particularly focused on a flipper for 16-year-old Maria. Her top two front teeth were extracted and the other two front teeth filled because of extensive decay. Unfortunately, soda is cheaper than bottled water in Honduras, and decay is rampant. The entire team was excited for her smile makeover, even though we were saddened by how many other girls shared the same need as Maria. At some point during the afternoon, Dr. Dave Maddy, the trip’s team co-leader, came over and told me a young man was standing at the door who said he was waiting to get his teeth. Earlier in the day, this patient had three of his front teeth extracted. Dr. Maddy had already apologized and told him several times that our clinic was just too busy to do another flipper. But he would not leave. I reluctantly told Dr. Maddy that I just did not think we had time to do it. About 10 minutes later, Ron Brown, our other co-leader, came over and said the young man was really upset, sort of crying and still standing at the door. “Should I still tell him ‘no?’” he asked. I paused for a moment and told Ron we would do it, trusting God would make a way. I was working with some really incredible dental students, and they got to work making impressions and picking out teeth that would be the right size and color for this young man. We worked late and finished all the dentures except the one for Maria, since we would have time the next day as Friday was reserved for clinic tear down and play time with the kids. We met up with the rest of the team at the local church that was hosting a fish fry for us, and we arrived just in time to hear Ron telling the entire group more about the young man who wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. His name was Angel. He was abandoned at the age of five and had been living on the streets for 20 years. While he had been waiting for his denture earlier that afternoon, Ricardo, our national dentist, took the opportunity to sit with him and share the gospel. He told Angel of God’s love and how, even though he had been without family for so long, he had never truly been alone. God was there. And as he waited for his denture, Angel decided to accept Christ back into his life. As I sat in my chair and listened, tears came—first for Angel and second for the realization of just how human I am and how much I need God. We had told Angel “no,” not just once but several times. And yet he didn’t go away. He persisted. I know it was God. I know it was God keeping him there. God was saying, “Help my precious son. You just said ‘no,’ but I need you to help him. Say ‘yes’ this time.” �
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cared that he was dying. One person finally stopped to save him—a Honduran Good Samaritan. And then Angel completely broke down. It was like he was releasing the pain and sadness that had been bottled up inside of him for 20 years. Had anyone ever cared to listen to his story until now? He and Ron locked into an embrace that was like that of a father and son. Over and over again, Ron reassured Angel of Psalm 27:10: “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close” (NLT). I’m too small to understand the scale at which God works, but Ron was just the person for Angel. It is no coincidence that Ron was born in Honduras to missionary parents and is fluent in Spanish. God orchestrated their meeting. The next day, we finished Maria’s smile makeover with her new denture and everyone was around to rave over how beautiful she looked. And that she did. For the first time all week, we saw her smile. Not too long after, someone came up to me and said Angel was back. Back? There was no reason for him to come back. Angel said someone called him to say we needed him back at the clinic to check his denture. I was so confused. Who would call him?
And then came healing. After we prayed for Angel, Ron stood up and called out to the group through his cracking, emotional voice, “Hey everyone, come over here and give this young man a hug. He has not felt the love of a mother’s hug in 20 years.” Every single member of our 45-person team gave Angel a hug. He was grinning from ear to ear. All of the dental students were giving him high-fives. Our team turned him into a celebrity. They showed him that he mattered, that he was cared for and that he was loved.
There he was sitting with Ron. I pretended like I needed to check his denture, because I did not want him to think he had come all the way back to the clinic for nothing. Little did I know, I was seconds away from the reality that there was definitely a reason he needed to come back.
As Angel was getting his hugs, I broke down. I made a beeline for the back of the building as far from the scene as possible and cried. I was so sad. So, so sad. How was I going to pull it together and stop the tears?
What I learned next completely blew me away. When Angel was five years old, he watched a woman shoot and kill his father. Then, his mom and siblings abandoned him. For 20 years, he had been alone. As he cried, Angel managed to tell us that he had traveled all over Honduras looking for his family. All attempts were unsuccessful. He had so much pain in his eyes and voice. Now I understood why Angel would not leave without teeth. Without his three front teeth, he told us, he did not see a reason to live. His missing front teeth would be the nail in his coffin. And God knew that. Angel turned over his left arm. There they were; the scars from previous suicide attempts. As Angel sobbed, he told us of the time he was lying in a street bleeding to death and people just walked right by him. No one ���
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But God sent me an angel too. Out of nowhere up walked sweet Maria, our morning denture patient. I was completely shocked that she knew I was hiding behind the building and had come to find me. She walked
right over to me and stood silently at my side. I put my arm around her, and we continued to stand there for a few minutes until I gained my composure. And then, she walked me back to the group. Despite the language barrier, her actions spoke to me, “It’s going to be ok. Time to go back now.” She did not leave my side until it was time to get on the bus to leave to travel back to the U.S. I will never forget the feeling of peace and comfort she brought to me in those few minutes we stood by each other. She truly was my guardian angel. My guardian angel in dentures.
not matter how much or how little you have, who you are or where you came from. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. We are all the same. I pray for Angel all the time. I pray God will comfort him, bring him peace and keep him safe. I pray Angel will continue to trust in God and find hope in Him. And I pray Angel will always know he is God’s child and he has a Father who has never and will never forsake him. Please join me in praying for Angel.
About The Author
******************************** As I reflect back on Angel and his story, I am struck by the similarities between Angel and Jesus. Isn’t what happened to Angel in the street exactly what happened to Christ? He died on the cross for us so we might be saved from our sins and know the love of God in its purest form. Angel was mocked and belittled as he lay dying in the street, just like Christ was mocked, spit on and belittled. How ironic it is that a young man who thought of himself as nothing, insignificant and unloved is the closest example of Christ that I have ever witnessed in this life. What a gift that Christ died so we all can live! Never in a million years would I have dreamed that the people of Honduras would minister to me in the way they did. Didn’t I go there to serve them? It does
EMILY CRAFT, DDS, was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in biomedical engineering before entering dental school at Virginia Commonwealth University. She relocated to Austin, Texas after dental school and opened a practice in hopes that it would provide her the flexibility to serve God more on the mission field. Since then, God has sent her to Peru, Nicaragua, Honduras and Myanmar with Global Health Outreach. She feels very lucky to have found a profession that allows her to help those in need. �
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classifieds International Caritas Djibouti Clinic - Djibouti, Africa — We need an experienced, dedicated onboard provider, NP, PA, MD, DO, in order to provide primary care. Assistance with support and housing available. French helpful, but not necessary. Caritas Djibouti is a ministry to the dispossessed, the poor, the orphan, the abandoned and the ignored of the streets in this small city; the capital of a stable East African country amidst neighbors with a long history of chronic crisis. Contact: Scott Karstenson at scottindia2004@yahoo.com or (Country code: 253) 77 05 15 66. Part-time Job Opportunity in International Medical Ministry — The International Christian Medical and Dental Association is seeking to hire a person to lead its outreach to medical/dental students and residents. The position requires approximately one day a week and occasional international travel. Expenses and a small salary are provided. To learn more and apply, go to www.cmda.org/ icmdajob. The deadline to submit an application is March 15, 2016.
Dental
Practice for Sale — Well-established twodoctor practice in the Bloomington/Edina, Minnesota area has an opportunity for an experienced dentist to buy in/buy out ownership and assume leadership as the senior doctor hands off responsibilities. The doctors have an outstanding reputation and have both participated in short-term mission trips. They continue to invest in the future with new dental technologies and procedures which has allowed for continual growth. Call 866-5191195 for more information.
Medical Orthopedic - Associate needed for general orthopedic practice in East Northport, Long Island, New York. Fellowship training preferred. In-patient and out-patient care is re���
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Pediatrics — Seeking a Pediatrician for a Group Practice in Montgomery, Alabama — A busy general pediatrics group of four doctors is looking for a full-time pediatrician in Montgomery, Alabama. Very attractive call arrangement, solid patient base and easy drive to the beaches. This vibrant practice was established 35 years ago. All pediatricians are believers and are seeking a like-minded partner. Contact Stephanie at smcclelland@pedhealthcare.com or call 334-273-9700. Pediatrics — Eastlake Pediatrics in Roseville, Michigan is seeking a pediatrician for our very established, well respected growing practice. Board eligible/certified. No hospital rounds. No weekend or evening office hours. Please email questions and/or CV to billing@ eastlakepeds.com or call Dr. Vesna Roi at 586-776-1010. Pediatrics — Dr. Dulce Dudley and Dr. Debbie Shepard opened their new pediatric office in March 2015 after working for more than 15 years in a large, multi-specialty physician group. Due to the huge response from the community and after much prayer, they have decided to add another pediatrician to the practice. If working in a Christian environment in beautiful Naples, Florida and caring for children in His name sounds appealing to you, please prayerfully consider this unique opportunity and contact us via email at deworman@yahoo.com. Pediatrics — The New Leaf Center, a nonprofit clinic for children with special needs, seeks a dedicated pediatrician, family physician or IM/Peds physician. Established in 2013, our Mount Eaton, Ohio clinic focuses on the inherited disorders of the plain (Amish/Mennonite) community. We collaborate closely with Akron Children’s Hospital (Akron, Ohio), the DDC Clinic (Middlefield, Ohio), the Clinic for Special Children (Strasburg, Pennsylvania) and the Windows of Hope Genetics Information Center (Berlin, Ohio) to deliver cost effective, culturally appropriate and cutting edge clinical care to a growing patient body. More information about NLC is available at www.newleafclinic.org. Qualifications include: willingness to care for children with complex disorders; commitment to learning; ability to navigate cultural/systemic barriers to care; and ability to work collaboratively with other institutions and subspecialists. Candidates must hold an MD/DO degree and be board certified/eligible in pediatrics or family medicine. Interest in pediatric neurology, neurodevelopmental pediatrics, biochemical genetics and/or community pediatrics is preferred. The position offers partnership with committed physicians,
nurses, office staff and a multi-cultural board. The children we care for have challenging, medically interesting diseases. Physicians are not evaluated by RVUs/productivity. The community deeply appreciates the services we provide. Salary/benefits are competitive. Interested applicants should contact Martha Horst, MSN, Executive Director, New Leaf Center, P.O. Box 336, 15988B East Chestnut Street, Mount Eaton, OH 44659; 330-3599888; frontdesk@newleafclinic.org. Primary Care — Austin Regional Clinic is currently seeking an experienced physician who is interested in working in a primary care clinic located in South Austin, Texas. Candidate must be board eligible/certified and Texas licensed. This candidate would have the exceptional opportunity to walk in to a well-established practice with a panel of patients. Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with excellent patient management abilities. Austin Regional Clinic offers: employment with a 35year stable multi-specialty group; full-time opportunity; competitive salary which includes an income guarantee; bonus amount, CME allowance and time off; 401K savings plan and company match; shareholder status after two years of employment; and group health, dental, vision, life insurance and long-term disability. Please be one of the first to learn more about this outstanding opportunity! Contact: Austin Regional Clinic Physician Recruiter, vbtaylor@austinregionalclinic.com, 512-2315592.
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HEALING THE HURTING, BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES AND TRANSFORMING LIVES SINCE 1981
Paid Advertisement
Associate Dentist Position Available in Busy Family Practice — Northeast Oklahoma area, near Grand Lake. 40 percent paid on collections; part- to full-time; A-DEC cont. delivery; Elec. HP; All Dig. Office. Associate must have exceptional customer service skills and have ability to provide care to Medicaid clientele. Please submit resume to dentistryresume@yahoo.com or call 918915-0715 for more information.
quired. There are currently two to three office days and two surgical days most weeks. Our 25+ year old practice includes Total Joint Replacement, arthroscopic surgery and fracture care, as well as digital X-rays on site and EMR. Please contact our office: 631-368-1222 ext. 15 (Peggy); fax: 631-368-8401; email: peggy@warwickgreenmd.com.
MEDICINES FOR MISSIONS
Allegan County, Michigan — General Practice ownership opportunity: approximately 45 minutes from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Holland, Saugatuck/Douglas and a half hour from the Lake Michigan shoreline. 2,400 18-month active patient count. Attractive facility built for production. Loyal staff; loyal patient base. The owner would like to retire and pursue Christ-centered endeavors which involve providing dental care for the underserved overseas. Contact reggie.vanderveen@ henryschein.com or call 616-485-9482.
To place a classified advertisement, contact communications@cmda.org.
CMDA PLACEMENT SERVICES
BRINGING TOGETHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS TO FURTHER GOD’S KINGDOM We exist to glorify God by placing healthcare professionals and assisting them in finding God’s will for their careers. Our goal is to place healthcare professionals in an environment that will encourage ministry and also be pleasing to God. We make connections across the U.S. for physicians, dentists, other providers and practices. We have an established network consisting of hundreds of opportunities in various specialties. You will benefit from our experience and guidance. Every placement carries its own set of challenges. We want to get to know you on a personal basis to help find the perfect fit for you and your practice. P.O. Box 7500 •Bristol, TN 37621 888-690-9054 www.cmda.org/placement placement@cmda.org
RELYING ON CMDA “For more than 15 years, we’ve relied on CMDA Placement Services to introduce us to mission-minded physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Many of our most fruitful domestic and international missionaries— those who’ve worked for years in the inner city and among unreached people groups— came to us through CMDA.” —Rick Donlon, MD Resurrection Health
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