After over 2 years of preparation, we finally had the Word of God visit Vanderbilt University medical student CMA section, the SSCD (Society of Saints Cosmas and Damian), in the form of the St. John’s Bible “Gospel and Acts” edition.  This Bible, completely handmade and hand painted, in a project

On March 5th, we had our annual evening of reflection during Lent. There was an opportunity for confession afterwards.

“Sister, if you tell me there is nothing to worry about, then I will stop worrying” The incongruity of the situation was astounding. What was the worry?  It was an absolute lymphocyte count of 3.8 with the upper limit of normal at 3.1  He had seen the result on the

…these words exactly…the unsuspecting sensei dressed in street clothes whispered in Japanese. Christians worldwide are now in the figurative spiritual desert of Lent. For 40 days and nights, they are preparing for Easter. This story is one that has to do with that journey. In the spirit of inclusivism, with

Bloodworth M, Bloodworth N, Ely EW, Linacre Q. 2015 Feb;82(1):49-54. Medicine is more than a profession… It is not an occupation for those to whom career is more precious than humanity or for those who value comfort and serenity above service to others. The doctor’s mission is prophetic. Abraham Joshua Heschel,

Dear CMA and SSCD faithful, About 15 to 20 years ago, different spiritual advisors began telling me to read a few books repetitively overtime. What I mean is that multiple people told me about the same books and each of them said that I should read the books more than

We all know how precious end-of-life conversations with our patients can be. These are times holy encounters that should be a major component of our vocation as healthcare professionals. However, in the midst of a busy day, they often take a back seat and sometimes are inappropriately viewed by us

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this same story was previously published in July 2015 at Pulse Voices online and titled Last Stand .  Pulse Voices granted permission to reprint this longer version of the same piece, which adds further discussion about Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide, the Quality-of-Life Gap, Redemptive Suffering,

Considering that approximately 25% of older Americans die in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), (Angus D et al, Crit Care Med 2004;32:638-43) it is imperative that physicians consider End-of-Life practices from divergent secular and faith-based approaches. While not intended as a full paper on the subject, I would like to offer

“Call me when you can,” read the text. Coming from a light hearted, deeply faithful friend who was 24 weeks pregnant with her first baby, I didn’t know if it was an “emergency” or a chance to talk again about her faith, new marriage, or the baby. Alas, she had