The Pulse of Catholic Medicine (Fall 2021)

In the Midst of the Hardships:
Finding Joy in Medicine

2021 Annual Educational Conference: Practical Steps to Rediscovering Joy in Medicine

To say the last year and half has been stressful is an understatement, especially in a profession already riddled with stress. Anxiety and depression are at an all-time high. And yet, there are those that will tell you that this has been an amazing opportunity not only to grow in holiness, but also to discover true joy.

President’s Message

A worldwide pandemic, stress on hospital resources, physician burnout, vaccine mandates, and the social unrest brought about by fear may have you asking, “How do we find joy in our everyday lives as healthcare professionals?”

Chaplain’s Corner

St. Paul wrote, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh, I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the Church.” (Colossians 1:24) Notice St. Paul did not say he rejoiced because he was suffering but because of what he could do with his sufferings.

Dr. Angeli Maun Akey: Sustained by Hope and Joy

After a year and half of successfully treating COVID-19 patients, Dr. Angeli Maun Akey has seen the good, the bad and the ugly of the pandemic up close and personal. While many in her same situation are worn thin under the crushing stress, she has found hope and joy.

Joy in Discovering Simplicity

I walked away from my career on July 3, 2020. Like an old cowboy, I had always hoped to simply ride into the sunset without fanfare. That wish was granted, but it was nonetheless strange and unsettling. I was leaving behind coworkers that were dealing with the biggest challenge of their careers, and felt like I was leaving the battlefield rather than fighting alongside them.

Do All Doctors Go to Heaven?

Doctors are called to serve. If we look at every patient through the eyes of Jesus and adopt a model of humility and self-denial, I believe we can not only achieve holiness, but also reach our eternal reward.

A Saintly Way to Suffer Joyfully

Medicine is inherently joyful due to the healing nature of the profession, and through the sanctification of our suffering, we can tap into this novel reservoir to find those joys.

What is Joy?

As healthcare professionals, we are the specific branch of the healing vine that extends to reach into the darkest moments in the suffering of humanity. We are spread thin and worked hard for the sake of the sorrowful passion of the body of Christ.

Finding Joy in Medicine

Despite the cases where things didn’t turn out as well as I had hoped, I confess helping individuals to improve their diseases brought me great joy.

In his President Letter in The Pulse of Catholic Medicine, Dr. Michael Parker spoke of the need to “take what we profess and translate it into service,” so that we “can effect significant social change through our commitment to serve.” As a result, the CMA Board dedicated October as a month of service. Since the Annual Educational Conference took place in October, Dr. Parker spearheaded a service project that would serve the people of Orlando, the host city of the conference. The Board partnered with Bishop Grady Villas, a Ministry of the Diocese of Orlando, that supports persons with disabilities to use their God-given gifts to achieve greater independence. The Board welcomed David Schumacher, Director of Residential Programs, and residents of the Bishop Grady Villas to help them create and package 100 hygiene bags that would be donated to residents.PREVIOUS ISSUES