Healing the Wounded Culture : Bringing the Wholeness of Healing to Humanity

The 84th Annual meeting of the Catholic Medical Association occurred in Philadelphia, PA October 1-3, 2015. More than 600 people attended comprised of Doctors, Physician Assistants, Nurses, other members of health care, spouses, priests, sisters, and even a few adorable babies. It was three days of discussion on the wounds our culture has and how to heal and care for them. We started each day with confession, mass and the rosary and then took a big dive in to topics that concern the dignity of the human person from conception to natural death. As my favorite saint, St. Francis De Sales says "To be perfect in one’s vocation is nothing else than to perform the duties and offices to which one is obliged, solely for the honor and love of God, referring to His glory. Whoever works in this manner may be called perfect in his state, a man according to the heart and will of God."  The exact nature of the conference is to grow in knowledge to practice medicine with greater honor and love of God, for His glory.

Often we reflected throughout the days on the Holy Father's explanation that the church is a field hospital. As health care professionals this picture of a hospital, mending wounds of the broken both brings a physical image and a spiritual one. Physical in that in various ways we heal body wounds. We deal with the bleeding, the disease, the disordered in an attempt to manage the care of a patient in the safest and best way possible. Spiritual in that we see patients wounded with all sorts of circumstances that affect the mind and the spirit and each we attempt to manage. Each of the members of the CMA know, that no matter how great a provider of health care in these areas, without the assistance of the Divine Physician our efforts are feeble at best, but with the persistent help of Our Lord and the intercession of the Angels and Saints we can accomplish great things.

There were a full slate of speakers including: Kathleen Raviele MD, Chris Kalenborn MD, Gerald Burke MD,  Angela Lanfranchi MD,  Anthony Levantino MD, Marie Joseph, Theresa Burke MD , Margurite Duane MD, Rev. Tadeusz Pacholyczk Ph. D., Thomas Hilgers MD, Mark Houck, Brad Wilcox Ph.D., Philip Mango Ph.D., Richard Fitzgibbons MD, Peter Kleponis Ph.D. Damon Owens, Gregory Popcak Ph.D., Rev Roger Landry, Rev Dennis Billy, Rev. Robert Spitzer, Peter Kreeft Ph.D., Rev. Juan Velez MD, Marie-alberte Boursiquot MD, and Gianna Jessen. 

• THURSDAY dealt with  BODY WOUNDS.



Photo by John Hartman, MD 

• We discussed the damage that contraception, Plan B, Assisted Reproduction and abortion have caused. While it is long standing that the church has long challenged each of these, it is important to note that the Roman Catholic Church is not against them for the sake of picking and choosing things to stand for. They are against the destruction of life. Life, marked by the unique DNA present from conception different from the mother or the father, is precious and to be protected. As health care providers we took the oath to do no harm and we each take that oath seriously even down to our smallest patients. It's not easy but we want to protect our patients from the increased risk of breast cancer, liver cancer, stroke, and blood clots. We want to protect the children at their smallest state and help guide others to the truth. We heard from passionate people who are experts in their field. We then spent time talking and discussing how to heal, help and come to the aid of those who need us. Marie Joseph who runs a Women's Center spoke on the need for beauty. She said "Our center is beautiful, it looks like a Spa." She shared with me that its that beauty that captures many of the women that enter her center to know that they are cared for. They aren't just another number but valued. She challenged us all to get involved and stop watching from the sidelines and reminded us that "Crisis Pregnancy" is no way to discuss the life that has been given to the world.   We learned about the beauty of Rachel's Vineyard and how women all over the world are invited to work through their struggles related to abortion. We also learned how deep some of the hurt and anger run and how prevalent suicide is among those who abort. We were educated on healthier options and the need for inclusion in medical school curricula. We discussed how Naprotechnology is more effective than assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF. 
• FRIDAY: covered MIND WOUNDS 
• We reviewed the most common psychological and medical issues associated with pornography and sexual addiction, both of these issues leading to a significant impact on our marriages ending in divorce. We discussed the medical, psychological and social impacts of these and other sexual disorders.  We discussed how to provide care and help for our patients who are struggling and reminded that we can only fill and heal others when we ourselves are filled and healed.  It was astounding to hear how many struggle with sexual and emotional scars and to learn how satan has twisted such a beautiful gift into so many things that bind and break people. We know pain that is not transformed and treated is transmitted. The cycle of sickness in the mind only leads to more wounds in others that are physical, mental and spiritual if we do not come to heal and be healed.  Proper counseling was discussed and the importance of identifying the struggles and meeting them where they are with love and compassion.  In the talks Dr. Richard Fitzgibbons explained the identity crisis that occurs when masculinity is reduced to athleticism.  He shared " Masculinity is not determined by athleticism. It is the degree to which you configure yourself to Christ."   It is only when we can share the love of Christ with others that we can bring wholeness to these wounds. 
• SATURDAY: discussed SPIRIT WOUNDS 



Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

• We discussed the nature of evil as presented by a church certified exorcist. He shared that demons howl at the name of St. John Paul II. We heard  how important it is to address spiritual wounds and the challenges in doing so.  We talked about culture, about what it is and isn't and how important it is to grow and shape the world.  We need to love people, to care about them physically, mentally and spiritually.  At times this will call us to spend a few more moments listening, a moment encouraging, a few minutes asking questions. Our efforts won't be wasted. It is when we put together our love for God and love for medicine that we can truly be great providers.  We heard from Peter Kreeft, PhD who shared "There is no war between science and religion. If so name a casualty."  He went on to encourage those in attendance not to stop our efforts to care for each person. "We need to know people and their messiness and God and His perfection. We need both."  Finally we ended with what we began with : healing through the Eucharist and the ultimate example of brokenness  in Christ was offered by Archbishop Timothy Broglio and Most Reverend John J. McIntyre at the Cathedral Basilica Shrine of Saints Peter and Paul.  A beautiful church in the heart of Philadelphia and a beautiful sight to see all in attendance on their knees before the blessed sacrament.  The sight of all of us kneeling together is one I will hold on to in my heart. All different age, races, cultures, areas of specialty in the medical field, and yet we all have Jesus in common, and His healing mission. 

Throughout the conference we saw two statues at the front of the room: one of the scourged and wounded Christ and one of the resurrected Christ. We as providers know that when we care for the wounded we care for Christ. The wounded are not alone, for Our Lord knows the wounds you carry as He carried them too. We also know that the resurrected Christ reminds us of healing. Death couldn't hold Him, the grave couldn't restrain Him, He lives and gives breath to dry bones. 

Photo by John Hartman, MD 

This was my second CMA conference and friends it was nothing short of beautiful. I could write so much more on this but I hope to just share a brief overview of the amazing experience  I'm reminded that I'm not alone in my desire to care for all from conception to natural death. I'm encouraged that there are others fighting with me and that God is calling new ones everyday.  I know that this conference has been a breath of fresh air for myself and many others in attendance. You see, we can't separate our medical practice from our beliefs because it is our very beliefs that shape our love and care of each person. It's only fitting that there is a conference that puts the two together: that brings the beauty of mass and then equips us to truly "Go Forth and Serve the Lord."  I met some amazing friends, and reconnected with some lovely people as well.  It blessed my heart to enjoy the time with such kind and caring people. 

Photo by John Hartman, MD 

As I went back these past two weeks to work I see how each patient comes in reminds me of the two Christ statues. Some were broken and bruised, others were healed from their wounds due to care. Whichever Christ they represent, I'm privileged to love and care  for Christ in each of them.  I hope not only to see them as Christ but they might my Lord through my care for them.  

The 85th annual Catholic Medical Association will be in Washington D.C  October 13-15th. 
     
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Courage In Medicine

Dear Friends
From September 25-27th I went to the Catholic Medical Association Conference. It was an amazing event with 3 days of being surrounded with more than 600 providers, clergy and families discussing how to uphold the Catholic faith in the science and practice of medicine. We had some great speakers such as Cardinal Burke, Brandon Vogt,  Ashley Fernandez, Mary Jo Anderson, Bishop Noonan and Bishop Conley and Sister Mary Dreiger. There were even more than I can name, and more than that there were an abundance of wonderful people who love God and wanted to love people in the field of medicine. I wanted to recap some of the main themes of the conference.

1. Courage: Between good and evil there is no safe place to stand.

To be a christian health care provider requires courage. To be a christian requires courage. To be both requires.... LOTS of courage. So many challenges face a provider to uphold the hippocratic oath, to do no harm and protect life. So challenging it is to do this in a society that does not celebrate life, but rather treats it with carelessness. God is not looking for the best equipped. He's looking for the willing- Mary Jo Anderson. We were exhorted by Rev. Robert McTeigue to remember we are the God's servants first, providers second and the first is inextricable from the second. He encouraged endurance which he described as the stubborn and patient commitment to the greater good even in the face of the seemingly impossible. He also reminded us that courage is only possible for one who is vulnerable.   Ashley Fernandez MD, PHD pushed us to "Be the Anvil." He encourages us that the anvil helps to shape objects just as much as the hammer does but it does so through a strong unmovable force. The anvil lasts longer than the hammer and despite the pounding of the hammer provides the strength of the pound of the hammer from it's resistance. We are to be anvils in our society and hold up with strength the truth proclaiming Jesus Christ in our careers. We are to be immovable, strong and steady knowing that a dripping water hollows out stone not through force but persistence.  Finally Bishop Conoley urged us "You are called to be saints- nothing more nothing less."

"You must put on the armor of God if you are to resist on the evil day; do all that your duty requires, and hold your ground." -Ephesians 6:13

2. Conscience: Following the path of truth. 

Cardinal Burke began the conference sharing that our conscience is to lead us to what is right and true. Our hearts and our conscience need to be trained to Jesus and is a messenger for Him. Rev. McTeigue shared that our conscience needs trained so that we may formed good habits which are natural and humanizing by pursuing the cardinal virtues. There was a great deal of discussion on how America is stripping away the conscience clause to help protect those who do not want to violate their beliefs and replacing it with the mandate that we have to do what our patient feels is best for them.  We were challenged to be courageous and stand up for truth. Our fight against evil starts by looking in the mirror and conforming ourselves to study and prayer. Without true study and prayer we can not grow in faith and we can not be prepared to discuss the science behind the truth of things like abortion, contraceptives,  and end of life care. Truth is a conformation of the mind to reality and the truth does not constrain us. The truth will set you free. We were challenged to share the truth that hormonal birth control is abortifacient (meaning it causes abortions), that sterilization surgeries violate our hippocratic oath as they take a working system and breaks it. We were challenged to share that people should not be denied the minimum standard of care no matter how sick, injured or old. Finally we were challenged to see Christ in our patients and to remember "when you do for the least of these you do for me."

3. Challenge: " We live in a time that calls for sentinels and public witness. Every Christian in every era faces the same task. But you and I are responsible for THIS moment. Today. Now. We need to "speak out" not only for religious liberty and the ideals of the nation we love, but for the sacredness of life and the dignity of the human person, in other words, for the truth of what it means to be made int he image and likeness of God."- Archbishop Charles Chaput.

We were reminded of the challenges and called to defend the most vulnerable and pursue the direction of the new evangelization with passion. Dr Dutkowsky reminded us "The ground is never more level than at the foot of the cross. There is no separate cross for Downs Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, ect." We were challenged to protect the weak, the sick, the injured, the least of these. Sister Mary Dreger reminded us "You are to be the model of the Divine Physician, You are to make Jesus known. A medical profession does not contradict the profession of christian." We were pushed to know it won't be easy and could challenge our lives, our comfortability, and our jobs. As our country moves from true religious freedom to merely a freedom of worship we are loosing and the only way to fight this is to work together (Freedom of worship only protects against practices in home and in church. It does not protect against public expression of worship).


The 3 days were incredible and it was amazing to be challenged, and encouraged to uphold the faith in my career as a PA. It can be difficult when you feel you are alone in this work but just from being back to the office one day I can tell those 3 days, even though I haven't had time to process all of it, have changed the way I see patients. I know God is sanctifying me through my profession and growing my faith. He is challenging me. He is growing me and He is asking me to have courage in medicine, grow my conscience and accept the challenge to define my life and my practice by Jesus Christ no matter the cost.

Finally, I was reminded the following:

Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are- St. Augustine

A righteous anger about how life is treated with a lack of respect by a culture that glorifies death. We are reminded not to conform to the pattern of the world and to take courage as we can provide hope. God blessed me today with a patient who told me just that "you gave me hope today" and the words melted my heart challenged me even more to provide the hope of Jesus Christ through love. 

"The Truth of Christ needs not only be understood, articulated and defended but to be proposed joyfully and confidently." - Pope Benedict XVI. 

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