January 5, 2020
Catholic Medical Association Elects Dr. Michael S. Parker President for Two-Year Term
Philadelphia, PA- The Catholic Medical Association is proud to announce that Dr. Michael S. Parker has been elected President of the organization. His two-year term began on January 1, 2020.
“Throughout my time as a member and board member for Catholic Medical Association, I have learned to trust in the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, be bold in my faith, and have been inspired to become a better Catholic Physician and leader,” said Dr. Parker.
As a member of the national Catholic Medical Association, he has served many roles, including Regional Director Representative, Secretary, Treasurer, Conference Chair, and Vice President.
“In my new role as president, I look forward leading the CMA to meaningful growth and success, and fulfilling our mission statement,” added Dr. Parker.
A native to the central Ohio area, Dr. Parker currently serves as the Medical Director for Employed Obstetricians at Mount Carmel St. Ann Hospital in Westerville, OH.
He attended Kenyon College, where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelors’s degree in Biology before moving on to The Ohio State University College of Medicine, graduating with his doctorate in 1989. Dr. Parker then completed his residency training at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1993.
Dr. Parker will be the first president to serve a two-year presidency under the revised bylaws approved by the Board and General Assembly. This revision was made in recognition that presidents need more time to build relationships with other organizations and provide continuity of strategic oversight.
In the coming years, Dr. Parker hopes to build upon the already strong foundation of the Catholic Medical Association by implementing several key strategies.
“It is my hope to continue the progress of my predecessors in leading the CMA into the future by mentoring and coaching future leaders of the organization,” said Dr. Parker.
“Dr. Parker is service-oriented, able to inspire others, and radiates confidence in God’s will,” said Mario Dickerson, CMA’s Executive Director.
“Our members are very grateful for the leadership of Dr. John Schirger last year in building new alliances for the CMA and strengthening existing ones. His deep prayer life was also an example for many, and he will be missed. At the same time, members have much to look forward to with Dr. Michael Parker as President,” added Dickerson.
“The Catholic Medical Association is in great hands with Dr. Parker. I am blessed and humbled to have had the opportunity to lead the Catholic Medical Association and look forward to everything Dr. Parker will do to see that the mission and vision are seen through,” said Dr. John Schirger, Immediate Past President of CMA.
In addition to advancing the strategic mission of the CMA, Dr. Parker’s goals include challenging CMA leadership to focus on Corporal Works of Mercy—including at least one foreign or domestic mission. Dr. Parker also has committed to expanding the visibility of the CMA among members and nonmembers.
Along with members of the Catholic Medical Association of Central Ohio and the Order of Malta, Dr. Parker helped establish the Order of Malta Center of Care in Columbus, which provides free medical care to the homeless and underserved.
Dr. Parker and his wife Teresa live with their six children in Galena, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. They are active in Pro-Life Causes, local Catholic Medical Association activities, and attend St. Patrick Church. Dr. Parker is an active member of the Order of Malta.
