Shaping Your Worldview
Four years ago, the inauguration of the first African-American president in United States history closed with a benediction from Pastor Rick Warren. Warren, author of the bestselling Purpose Driven Life, might be the most well-known evangelical pastor in America. Among the things well known about Warren at the time of his inaugural invitation was his stance on the definition of marriage.
The Point Blog – April 2013
In this edition of The Point: Assisted suicide bill set aside, for now, Plan B One-Step without age restriction, and First state personhood amendment.
The Point Washington Update – April 2013
Commentary and update on the state of legislative activities in Washington involving CMDA member interests. In this edition of The Point: Video chronicles abortion clinic horrors, Administration invites help in battling human trafficking, and CMDA and others urge HHS to reconsider contraceptives mandate.
The Point Washington Update – March 2013
Commentary and update on the state of legislative activities in Washington involving CMDA member interests. In this edition of The Point: CMA human trafficking commentary published in Washington Times, House pushed to pass conscience protections, and Miss America promotes sexual risk avoidance education.
DMD – Jim Greely, DDS
Archived podcast from CMDA’s Dental Ministry.
Standing Against Persecution
My journey with medicine began when I was only eight years old. As I listened to a missionary speak about the need for the next generation to continue the work and become missionaries, I felt God impress upon me that He wanted me to become a missionary doctor to Mexico. From the beginning, missions and medicine were intrinsically linked for me. So when I started school at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harlem, New York in the fall of 2011, I knew that I wanted to be used by God even before I got to the “mission field,” but I had no idea how much of a mission field I was walking into.
Sexual Orientation Change Efforts in the Ideological Lions’ Den
In September 2012, California became the first U.S. state to ban therapeutic sexual orientation conversion efforts (SOCE) involving minors. “[SOCE] . . . has resulted in much harm, including a number of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth committing suicide.
The Point Blog – February 2013
In this edition of The Point: Opt-out of the contraception mandate, Problem with Medical Student Debt, and Blind twins euthanized.
Korte vs. Health & Human Services Brief
Amici—which include for-profit companies as well as national healthcare non-profit organizations, discussed below—share a common conviction: so-called “emergency contraception” can end the life of a developing human being.
HHS Mandate Terms Unacceptable
CMA CEO Dr. David Stevens said, “This latest version of the contraceptives and sterilization mandate remains unacceptable. Since when does the government get to pick and choose which groups will get to enjoy First Amendment protections? Our founders intended the First Amendment to protect every American’s freedom to act according to one’s conscience. They didn’t specify that only groups deemed religious will be afforded this protection; freedom of conscience applies equally to all Americans.”
Christian Doctor’s Digest – January 2013
On a special January 2013 issue of Christian Doctor’s Digest, we focus on the 40th anniversary of Roe v Wade and the impact that has had on our nation. Gianna Jessen shares her testimony and about the movie inspired by her life, October Baby. Priscilla Coleman discusses the issue of depression that often affects women who have had abortions. Brian Stillwell, MD explains the Endowment for Human Development and the tools they provide in helping us learn about unborn life. Dr. John Wilke, the “father” of the right to live movement, talks about the movement’s early history and where it is going now.
The Point Blog – January 2013
In this edition of The Point: Spiritual care rare at end of life, Medical killing in U.S. and Europe, and Free Condoms in Schools.
As President and Nation Focus on Human Trafficking, CMDA Physicians Call for Intervention by Medical Professionals
Following President Obama’s proclamation marking January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the 16,000-member Christian Medical Association is calling for increased training and awareness among medical professionals to recognize, report and treat victims of modern-day slavery.
DMD – Dianne Glasscoe Watterson
Archived podcast from CMDA’s Dental Ministry.
DMD – David Stevens and Jeff Amstutz
Archived podcast from CMDA’s Dental Ministry.
From My Viewpoint: Healthcare Reform
For months, it seemed like the country was holding its breath. With baited breath, some waited in anticipation and others waited in dread. Experts and analysts outlined countless “what if” scenarios, examining and scrutinizing various sides of the argument.
The Reality of Today’s Long-Term Medical Missions
Perhaps our concept of a career missionary doctor’s family might sound similar to this . . . a poor missionary surgeon and his family give up a “good American doctor’s family life” to live in endless poverty. They suffer through a hand-to-mouth existence in an African country full of intrigue, Satan worship, witchcraft, fear, poisonings, arson, coups, Marxist takeovers, massive killings and persecution of Christians. Their children are forced to be homeschooled by their parents. They have jobs at the mission hospital from a very young age. Their future education and life is tenuous at best. They can’t possibly amount to anything and will probably die early of some terrible tropical disease that is yet to be unearthed.
Rape is Violence–So is Abortion
The issue of aborting a rape-induced pregnancy recently rocked a Senate campaign. The images it summons of violation, unfairness and burden assure the topic instantly launches infuriated responses.
DMD – Ryan S. Lee, DDS, MPH, MHA
Archived podcast from CMDA’s Dental Ministry.
Are We Safer from Malpractice?
He was shocked at the attorney’s letter. A patient who had seemed pleased with her care was suing him for reckless and wanton negligent care.
Women in Medicine: Answering a Call from God
In 1975, the Christian Medical Society Journal published an article titled “The Physician and Her Husband” by Merville O. Vincent. Many of us were just children pretending to play doctor during recess at school when this article was written.
The Marriage Viewpoint
George MacDonald, mentor to C. S. Lewis, penned these words many years ago: “The highest calling of every husband and wife is to help each other to do the will of God.” While most of us would wholeheartedly agree, we struggle to apply this principle to the unique challenges of medical marriages. Few professions have the myriad of obstacles facing a vibrant marriage that a medical career brings. At the same time, medicine is a vocation with great potential benefits—both to the couple and the lives they touch—as God works through their union. How crucial it is for us to focus on helping each other be all God has intended for us to be as individuals and as a couple.
Staying Connected to Today’s Medical Family
In some ways, things have radically changed since the “Leave it To Beaver” and “My Three Sons” concepts of the traditional family from the 1950s. Yet, in other ways, things have remained the same. Regardless, many challenges are being waged against the traditional American family today. With each passing day, the slow but steady advance of tangible threats grows. While some of these threats are easily recognizable, others seem to run under the radar as insidious characteristics of our culture that are eventually accepted as normative. These affect the medical family just as much as they do any other family.
The Supernatural Joy of the Lord
This edition’s Impact Story is brought to you by Mike O’Callaghan, DDS, a CMDA dental member practicing in Michigan. Mike has led several GHO short-term mission trips and serves on the Dental Advisory Council. He recently published two articles: one was on the topic of short-term mission trips and other titled “Human trafficking and the Dental Professional” was seen in the most recent edition of the Journal of the American Dental Association. ADA members can view the article online here or in JADA print form.
Post-Roe v. Wade: Overt War on Conscience Rages
As Roberta Flack softly coos her 1973 Grammy-winning song in the background, the 2011 TV commercial slowly unveils a stunning, color image of a developing, gently moving baby in utero. The baby’s tiny arm curls upward, framing her glorious face.
Remember to Remember: The Modern Implications of Abortion
Remember to remember is a recurrent divine command. God wants us to remember the past in order to celebrate the good and learn to avoid evil. Equally recurrently, the children of Israel forgot to remember and the consequences were usually severe, including exile and slavery.
DMD – Van B. Haywood, DMD
Archived podcast from CMDA’s Dental Ministry many decades ago.
DMD – Peter Dawson, DDS
Archived podcast from CMDA’s Dental Ministry many decades ago.
The Point Washington Update – January 2012
Commentary and update on the state of legislative activities in Washington involving CMDA member interests. In this edition of The Point: Human trafficking, International health, and the Contraception mandate.
Has God Indeed Said…? A Biblical Perspective on Sexuality, Part 2
Part 1 of the series dealt with pre-marital sex, the biblical model of sexuality, porneia, adultery and polygamy. As a correction to the section regarding porneia in Part 1, it should have stated that forbidding fornication “. . . came from the Tanakh (the Old Testament)” rather than “. . .came from the Tanakh in the Old Testament.”
Has God Indeed Said…? A Biblical Perspective on Sexuality, Part 1
We are created as sexual beings, so sexuality rightly holds more than a passing interest to us. Likewise, sex sells, but the products offered are often flawed. Confusion lurks for our young people — older ones too — when encouragement for the loosening of sexual standards comes, as it sometimes does, from religious quarters. How should we respond?
Vaccination information and Recommendations
The safety and advisability of vaccinating our children has become a hot topic, and one of great importance. This handout was prepared to present reliable information, answer questions, provide encouragement, and perhaps spark more Christian enthusiasm for medical science drawn from history.
Negative Health Consequences of Same-Sex Sexual Behavior
The health effects of same-sex sexual behavior are many. The public, government, and judiciary are being lead to believe that same-sex sexuality is a normal variant with interactions and results equivalent to heterosexual sexuality. However, this position runs contrary to professional literature and the track record of history.
What are the arguments against legalization of Physician-Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia?
This article from Dr. Robert Orr published in the summer 2011 edition of Today’s Christian Doctor focuses on the arguments against legalization of physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia. It also includes a special tear-out section to help you in protecting life.
Religious Freedom in Healthcare: Navigating the New Era
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to negate the votes of millions of citizens and unilaterally mandate same-sex marriage nationwide threatens to undermine centuries of First Amendment protections, including conscience freedoms for faith-based healthcare professionals.
Rest for Your Soul
It was a heavy burden to bear and my soul was weary. I was accused of malpractice in the death of a three-year-old child I had cared for in the emergency room of our local rural hospital. Although I felt confident I had handled the patient as well as anyone could have, I had not communicated very well with the family. The parents spoke little English and I had no time to explain what even I did not understand as we performed invasive tests which culminated in a code and resuscitation. I arranged a life flight to the referral center and the family rushed off into the night on a six-hour drive to the tertiary care center. Tragically and unexpectedly, the toddler deteriorated and died from a rare disease.
Pedophiles Find a Home for Social Networking
Excerpted from “Pedophiles Find a Home for Social Networking — on Facebook,” Fox News. September 28, 2010–The world’s largest pro-pedophilia advocacy group uses Facebook to connect with its members throughout the world; to find and exchange photos of children; to hone its members’ predatory behavior; and to identify, target and reel in child victims, an investigation by FoxNews.com reveals.
Duplicatability
I look across the table as Ashley* tells me that there are things no one knows about her, and that her Christian friends would never accept her if they knew . . . that she can’t really believe that God can accept her, since He knows. For some reason, she decided to share them with me.
Balance: The Possible Impossible Dream
It’s trendy to be a bomb-thrower regarding balance. “Destructive,” says one Christian author. “A myth,” claims an inspirational speaker. Impossible, undesirable, unrealistic, and unattainable are other accusations hurled in the balance direction. The business magazine Fast Company ran an article headlined “Balance is Bunk!”
Changing Hearts about Physician-Assisted Suicide
Dr. Richard Johnson shares his experiences providing testimony in New Hampshire to stop the legalization of physician-assisted suicide in this article from the summer 2010 edition of Today’s Christian Doctor.
The Divine Invitation
When I decided to become a doctor at eight years of age, it is because I believe I was called to do so. Now, twenty-four years later, I know it was a calling. It has to be. Under no circumstance would anyone follow this course unless it was due to a divine invitation. At least this is how I felt after a recently troublesome time in clinic when I learned the importance of praying for the children and families God has placed in my life.
Making Truth-Telling Your Practice
Sixty years of hiding the truth taught this doctor a very hard lesson.
The Sovereignty of God: Surrendering to Sovereignty
Einstein’s life began badly and kept getting worse. At birth, his parents were alarmed about his malformed head. They prayed his brain was not damaged. He was slow to speak, raising fears of retardation. “Classmates regarded Albert as a freak,” said a friend. “Teachers thought him dull-witted because of his failure to learn by rote and his strange behavior.” When his father asked what profession suited the boy, the headmaster said, “It doesn’t matter; he’ll never make a success of anything.”
Seeking Justice for Modern Day Slaves
When Jill was 14, she was forced to run away from home to escape repeated physical and sexual abuse. She ended up in the home of Bruce who found her alone at a local mall and promised her a job in his home “business.”
Nationalized Healthcare: Prescription or Problem- A Debate
We asked two Christian physicians to share their divergent perspectives on nationalized healthcare. References for Dr. Emil’s answers are first in the endnote section, in Arabic numerals; Dr. Van Mol’s notes follow, in Roman numerals. Reader response is welcome.
Montana vs. Baxter
Legalizing assisted suicide would have drastic public policy implications. The question whether some citizens (doctors) should be allowed to kill other citizens (patients) is a decision with profound ramifications for the safety and well being of the whole community, not least its most vulnerable members.
Preachers of Righteousness
I never planned to be a “preacher of righteousness,” as Peter described Noah in 2 Peter 2:5. It all started a few weeks after I became the CEO of CMDA in 1994. The most common comment from graduate members in those days was, “CMDA was great when I was in training, but what does it do for me now?”
Why Human Bioenhancement Technologies Are a Bad Idea
Human beings are almost obsessive innovators. Homo sapiens (knower) is by nature Homo faber (fabricator). Thank God He has made us so. Life without what Michael Novak has called “the fire of invention” would be nasty, bloody, and brutish. Medicine and biotechnology are two spheres where innovation is especially rewarded. So it is no surprise that we contemplate the possibility of human biological enhancements.
Till We Have Minds
A panel of Princeton University scientists recently gathered together to deliberate “whether strong religious belief can coexist with reliance on science.”2 Constraining their definition of truth to “factual human knowledge,” the panel, led by professor of molecular biology Lee Silver, posed the provocative question, whether “science has effectively demonstrated that religious beliefs have no place in the rational mind.”2 How one decides that question guides the answer to a related question essential for the Christian physician. How can faith in Jesus Christ coexist with medical science
Physician as Employee: Is This What I Signed Up For?
Healthcare has changed dramatically over the past fifty years. Theories abound as to the various causes and their effects – with managed care, the Generation X work ethic, and increased numbers of women in medicine being three commonly cited reasons for the decline of the traditional “family doc” who made house-calls and whose work hours were 24/7 as needed and the steep increase in the “physician shift worker” who figuratively clocks in and out and leaves his pager behind when he is off duty.
Ten Questions You May Hear from Your Patients About Alternative Medicine
In this article from the fall 2008 edition of Today’s Christian Doctor, Dr. Dónal P. O’Mathúna offers answers to common questions patients have about the increasing alternative medical options available.
Physician as Employee: Is This What I Signed Up For?
Healthcare has changed dramatically over the past fifty years. Theories abound as to the various causes and their effects – with managed care, the Generation X work ethic, and increased numbers of women in medicine being three commonly cited reasons for the decline of the traditional “family doc” who made house-calls and whose work hours were 24/7 as needed and the steep increase in the “physician shift worker” who figuratively clocks in and out and leaves his pager behind when he is off duty. Managed care brought financial pressures to bear on physicians in solo practice. Generation X brought a tide of newly graduated physicians whose definition of balance was quite different from that of their parents’ generation.
Joy Cometh in the Morning
I still don’t know how I made it through the remainder of the day, or how my shaking hands were able to suture the next patient’s laceration. Instantly, the joy was gone from my life.
Apologetics Series: Should Physicians Take Life?
“No one should force their morals on anyone else. It’s my body. Euthanasia is the most merciful alternative. Legislating morality involves religion, a violation of the separation of church and state.”
Malpractice Pain
The pain of a malpractice suit can test your limits, threatening all you hold dear. For some, th is experience is devasating-personally, relationally, professionally-regardless how the case is resolved.
The Changing Role of the Doctor
Today’s “new normal” is an unglued mindscape for some doctors, an exciting opportunity for others. How Christian doctors relate to limitless change will be governed primarily by the quality of their relationship with the One who never changes and their trust that they really are His work in progress.
Spectators or Saints – Which Will We Be?
Human trafficking today is a 44 billion dollar a year industry. With over 28 million humans in slavery worldwide, it is likely that Christian doctors will encounter one or more victims in their practice. We can make a difference, if we care and dare.
Special Transfer from Heaven: Embryo Adoption: One Family’s Story
When Lee and I were married in 1984 we thought 12 children would be a good number for our family. We further decided that ours would be “God blended” of six biological and six adopted Klopfensteins. However, as is always the case, God was in control and after some years of infertility, it became apparent that it was time to pursue the first adoption.
Testimony of Robert Orr, MD
Testimony before House Human Services Committee in opposition to H-44, legalization of physician-assisted suicide.
Testimony of Wesley Smith
Testimony opposing physician-assisted suicide before the California Senate Judiciary Committee.
Christian Reflections on Dementia
Betty had served God well for years as a missionary in Africa. She was a strong believer and had a passion for the glory of God. At 80 she began to lose things and had difficulty remembering recent events. By 83 she was no longer able to care for her invalid husband and was placed in a nursing home. For the last five years of her life she sat and babbled incoherently.
Testimony of Hendrik Reitsema
Testimony to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution by Dutch resident Hendrik Reitsema who lost his grandfather to euthanasia.
Testimony of Jonathan Imbody
Testimony to the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Property Rights.
Human Trafficking: The Slavery of the 21st Century
The 2005 US State Department Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report estimates that between 600,000 and 800,000 men, women, and children are trafficked across international borders every year. This number is dwarfed by the several million that are estimated to be trafficked within their home countries.
More Than Meets the Eye
Every morning when I get up, I ask myself two questions: First, is God as worried as I am? If the answer is yes, then I cancel my agenda for the day ’cause it’s all over. But if the answer is no, I ask the second question: Then why am I worried?
Abortion Ethical Issues Regarding Post-Fertilization Effects of Oral Contraceptives
I have prescribed “the Pill” since 1978. My wife and I used the Pill for years, having no moral concerns about it. Then, in 1995 my friend and practice partner John Hartman, MD, showed me a patient information brochure–given to him by a friend–that claimed the Pill had a postfertilization effect causing “…the unrecognized loss of preborn children.” John asked me if I had ever heard of such a thing. I had not.
National Embryo Donation Center
Many couples who have used reproductive technology in an effort to have children are faced with the daunting dilemma of what to do with remaining embryos that will not be implanted and brought to birth. These so-called “excess” embryos are being targeted for destruction by researchers who promise miracle cures. On the other side of the equation are over two million infertile couples who desire to have children.
Feeling the Passion
I reported early for my shift in the emergency department as a nurse was fininshing her coffee at the front desk. Thumbing throught the morning newspaper she stopped and said, “Hey Pat, I didn’t know you were getting sued!”
When Do You Become You?
The debate over the status of pre-born humans has become clouded due to the redefinition of certain terms over the past few decades. Biological advances, including the destruction of embryos to obtain embryonic stem cells have also heightened the ethical dilemma. However, human life remains worthy of protection from the moment of its individual uniqueness—fertilization.
Enduring Through Faith
As healthcare professionals, the coalescing of exhaustive schedules, difficult patients and stressful circumstances can easily empty our energy tanks. God’s strength can save us from those tempting low compassion moments and allow us to soar above the winds of adversity in the milieu of a challenging medical environment.
So You’ve Made a Mistake: Now What?
A Christian physician pours her heart and soul into her practice. Christ is the model, the Great Physician, who healed both body and soul.
Cloning Name Games
Proponents of therapeutic cloning seek to clone human embryos, but don’t want them implanted into women. Instead, they want to use them to produce stem cells that might some day be developed into therapies. These stem cells and resulting tissues would be immunologically compatible with the person from whom they were cloned, thereby overcoming the risk of rejection that plagues tissue transplantation from other people.
Should Clinicians Incorporate Positive Spirituality Into Their Practices? What Does the Evidence Say?
Most of the rhetoric decrying the incorporation of basic and positive spiritual care into clinical practice is not based upon reliable evidence.
The Stem Cell Revolution
“Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into a variety of tissues. This means, through careful engineering, stem cells could be used to repair a damaged brain or heart, rebuild a knee, restore injured nervous system connections, treat diabetes and much more. That’s the potential power of stem cells, and the reason the University of Minnesota is investing greatly in its Stem Cell Institute – the first of its kind. The Institute today will change medicine as we know it tomorrow.”
Strengthening the Doctor-Patient-God Relationship
The physician-patient relationship is the cornerstone of medical practice, an essential ingredient in the restoration and maintenance of health. As a researcher, clinician and teacher, I have spent much of my career studying, implementing and modeling the healing effects of the physician-patient relationship, seeking to maximize its benefits in the care of patients. My first research studies at Yale University addressed patients’ perceptions of physician performance, in which I documented that patients ultimately cherish “TLC”—time, listening and caring.1-3 Patients desire and welcome treatment by doctors who show the willingness to listen to their concerns and the heart to care for them as individuals.
A Review of Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook
Depending on your practice, within the foreseeable future any number of patients are going to pause on the way out of the exam room, hand on the doorknob, to ask one question or another about alternative medical therapies. For example, one patient might want to know what you think of the “hallelujah diet,” which her friend believes to be divinely inspired.
Testimony of Christopher Hook, M.D.
Testimony offered by Christopher Hook, MD about physician-assisted suicide before a U.S. Senate Briefing regarding the Pain Relief Promotion Act.
Ministry Through End-Of-Life Care
A generation or two ago, when medicine was primarily low-tech, a majority of patients died quickly of acute illness, usually in their own homes, cared for by families, neighbors, and church friends. But things have changed. Now, 90 percent of North Americans die slowly from debilitating disease (organ failure, malignancy, dementia, etc.).
Testimony of Senator Gordon Smith
Testimony offered by Senator Gordon Smith from Oregon opposting physician-assisted suicide before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Testimony of Richard M. Doerflinger
Testimony offered by Richard M. Doerflinger about physician-assisted suicide before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution regarding the Pain Relief Promotion Act.
The Journey: A Spiritual View
Much has been written about the subject of malpractice, but very little attention has been paid to the emotional and spiritual impact of a suit on the life of the physician who is sued.
Understanding Malpractice
Here’s what often causes lawsuits and what you can do to avoid themFor doctors, nothing is more sobering than receiving notification that you are being sued.
Fear of Malpractice
Because a malpractice suit can be personally devastating, it is essential that we share our concerns and fears to avoid the nameless, unreasoning, and unjustified terror that can paralyze our mission to be light in a darkened world.
The Relationship of the Ongoing Malpractice Crisis
Israel was a spreading vine He brought forth, fruit for himself. As his fruit increased, he built more altars; as his land prospered, he adorned his sacred stones.
A Thorn in the Flesh
I worked in a lumber yard while in college, and a number of times I got slivers in my hands. The slivers were often so irritating that I would be consumed with the thought of removing them, and at times I would have to stop work to rid myself of the irritation.
Physicians Can Heal the Hurt
Malpractice rises before the physician as an imminent barrier to his life work. The issues of malpractice touch him as a self-employed businessman, as a professional and as a person.
Is the Law to Blame?
As a lawyer presenting his case to physicians, I feel a bit defensive. The attitude of many people in our society is reflected in a recent bumper sticker – “Support your local lawyer, send your son to medical school.”
Opinion Letter
I do not carry malpractice insurance. Originally I decided not to carry it simply because I could not afford it. Now, however, I practice uninsured as a matter of principle.
Morality in Malpractice
The malpractice crisis has been with us for three years. In 1974 insurance premiums jumped by nearly 200 percent, and each year since then they have risen higher.
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Testimony: Amanda Lucashu
Testimony to the Connecticut Public Health Committee opposing SB 48 to legalize physician-assisted suicide.