The Pulse of Catholic Medicine

Dear CMA Members and Friends,

There can be no doubt — these times are like no other our generation has known.

Since the last installment of The Pulse of Catholic Medicine, our world has suffered a pandemic, with the United States suffering the most loss of life. Our country faces the challenges of riots, looting, and civil unrest after the senseless and inhumane killing of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. These events touch all of us in some way.

In the midst of this, it may be hard to see God’s hand at work in the world. Yet these unprecedented events have been an opportunity seized by many CMA members to put their faith into action.

The “Doctor, Doctor Podcast” recorded expanded episodes to provide medically sound information on the novel coronavirus for members and the laity. “MyCatholicDoctor” provided assistance and training for telehealth resources. CMA joined 30,000 other physicians calling for the ethical development of a COVID-19 vaccine. Multiple appearances by members on major media raised concerns about the impact of mitigation efforts on mental health, cancer patients, and children. Finally, our organization played a crucial role in advising our bishops to return to public worship, safely.

What has amazed me the most is the response of our members on the frontlines. They have brought the beauty of our faith to those in most need. You will learn some of their names and story in this issue of The Pulse. Faith called them to go into the turmoil to be with the suffering. For some patients dying alone in the hospital, the last face they saw or hand they held was that of one of our members. I believe at that moment they saw the face of Jesus Christ.

God is at work in this world. His instruments are the faithful who seek and carry out His Will.

Sincerely in Christ,