The Catholic Medical Association 2024 Leadership Training Meeting: Redemption through Reflection
June 19, 2024
By Dr. Jeremy Jones
The Catholic Medical Association (CMA) just completed an incredible Leadership Training Meeting (LTM) at the University of St. Mary of the Lake (USML) and Mundelein Seminary in Illinois (June 14-16). The focus for this year’s LTM was “Redemption through Reflection,” which tied together themes from the preceding and upcoming CMA Annual Educational Conferences (AEC). Its concurrent timing with the CMA 2024 Annual Medical Student and Resident Boot Camp added to the success of the event, where mentorship, fellowship and the opportunity to share in the Sacraments with students was a highlight. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to hone their leadership skills with training and to receive continuing medical education credits.
Faith Development
CMA members are called to be servant leaders to fulfill the mission to live and promote the principles of the Catholic Faith in the science and practice of medicine. This should be guided by a vision that inspires CMA members to imitate Jesus Christ. Thus, the LTM has at its foundation the frequenting of the Sacraments for this mission and vision to be properly nourished. The mornings began with Morning Office followed by the Holy Mass. Confession was available throughout the LTM. Our CMA National Chaplain, Rev. Christopher Kubat, MD, led a Friday afternoon Eucharistic Procession around the USML campus and a Friday evening Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration. Ample breaks were provided for private prayer and reflection both in the main chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception and in the conference center chapel. Finally, many medical students, resident physicians, and practitioners took the opportunity to walk to the nearby National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe for further prayer and Eucharistic Adoration. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit was given the opportunity to fill with grace the souls of this year’s registrants.
Continuing Medical Education
Excellent opportunities for continuing education were available during the LTM. Through the beneficence of the Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA), the LTM was designated for 7.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits. Topics ranged from humanism in medicine, international medicine, faith-based and Christ-centered health care, conscientious objection, and brain death determination. Experts from these fields were masterful in delivering content and providing the opportunity for post-session questions and discussion. Truly, there was tremendous openness for acquiring the virtues of knowledge and understanding.
Leadership Training Skills
Besides content meant to attain medical knowledge, practical application of our skills to fulfill the CMA mission and vision were addressed in multiple sessions. Health care advocacy to local, state, and national government officials was discussed. Furthermore, sessions regarding regional directors, state directors, and guild presidents and the practical tools for success in these positions within the CMA were particularly insightful. The sessions equipped registrants to be effective Catholic physicians within these CMA roles.
Mentorship
One of the most apparent reasons for the success of the CMA 2024 LTM is its continued close partnership with the CMA Boot Camp. The opportunity for medical students and resident physicians to interact with Catholic physicians during the LTM is invaluable. Incorporating discussion and mentorship during the breaks and meals at USML makes this event remarkable.
Fellowship
inally, fellowship makes the LTM so significant for all registrants. Each evening of the LTM included social events. Additionally, the annual trivia night was lively and highly interactive, including Kahoot! and a buzzer system for Jeopardy! The annual Bishop’s 5K Run around St. Mary’s Lake on the USML campus was breathtaking (for everyone figuratively … and literally for me). The keynote address for Saturday evening was especially powerful as Sr. Deirdre M. Byrne, MD (Sr. Dede) discussed her personal experiences being profoundly influenced by Eucharistic Adoration and devotion to Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the altar. Sr. Dede provided the perfect capstone for a grace-filled weekend.
On behalf of fellow Co-Chair Deacon Thomas Miller, MD, MPH, the CMA board, and the CMA National Office staff, I encourage you to attend next year’s Leadership Training Meeting. I promise you will not regret it.
Jeremy Jones, DO, is a clinical associate professor in primary care at Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM) in Indianapolis, Indiana. He has experience in teaching and mentoring medical students and resident physicians for thirteen years. Dr. Jones is a member and officer of the St Raphael Catholic Medical Guild of Indianapolis. He and Deacon Thomas Miller, MD, MPH were Co-Chairs for the Catholic Medical Association (USA) 2024 Leadership Training Meeting.
