Triangle Christian Medical Dental Associations

Backwards

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 13:57:00 GMT

Sometimes I think we have medicine backwards. Sometimes I think we do the least first, and the best last. Our approach, as Christians, is often to seek a physical cure for the body, a psychological cure for the soul and a psychiatric cure for the mind. We try everything to heal, comfort and fix others. And that is good. But that comes second.

Too often we do everything we can, and when it doesn’t work, we pray. We can communicate this to our patients too, explaining the “miracles” of modern medicine as though it is our first go to solution. Instead, we should ALWAYS pray first, ask the Lord for divine healing. Our faith should lead our practice. If the Lord chooses not to heal miraculously, then we should look at human interventions.

This morning I spoke with a practitioner in our group at the VA. She shared about praying for someone who had a cancer. They began by praying for this young lady that she would have an easy experience with the chemo, that surgery would go well, etc. Then she said “we realized that maybe we should just pray for healing”, so they did. They prayed that the Lord would remove the cancer. AND HE DID! The large tumor literally disappeared and the surgery was cancelled.

Here’s a quick test, when you have a headache, do you pray that the Lord will heal you first, or do you pop some ibuprofen? Is your go to solution first the Lord or is it medicine? There is so much that we can do to heal people, so much wisdom we have from the Lord to help others, but this should never replace us going to the Lord Himself first.

Grief in it’s place

Tue, 21 May 2019 13:54:00 GMT

This spring has been a time of turmoil in many of the lives around me. Unexpected deaths, violence at schools, job losses, rebellious kids, identity issues. As we meet from week to week and month to month, I hear stories of failure, fear and despair. Some of these stories touch my life directly.

Our culture is geared toward a pain free, happy go lucky mentality that scorns negative feelings and avoids the depths of real pain. The church has often followed this lead by being all about celebration, hype, joy and fellowship. But what about those believers suffering deep loss, buried by the massive weight of grief? Where is the time in our worship to embrace that?

I am not suggesting that we choose to get stuck in grief, but sometimes we have a hard time finding our way out. Theology does not deliver us from sorrow. In fact, scripture says that Jesus was a “man of sorrows”. We need to celebrate when we can, but there is a real place for grief when there is real loss. Instead of ignoring it, medicating it away or trying to ignore it, we should engage grief.

Grief reminds us that something is wrong. Whether it is a loss, a persecution, or a pain, we are reminded that not all is as it should be. Grief is our response. So if the suffering is great, so is the grieving. Embracing it means recognizing the brokeness of this world, and therefore reminds us of our need for a savior and our hope for eternity. When we lose someone we love, it hurts. But it hurts because of the love, our pain reminding us of the blessing of that love.

Our pain, our sorrow, our grief can all lead us to remember the grace of God, the hope of eternity and the love of the Savior. And in this, even through tears, we can know the peace of God in the midst of our pain.

The S Word

Wed, 06 Feb 2019 17:10:00 GMT

Last week I was listening to a doctor speak to the UNC SOM group during lunch. It was a powerful testimony of faithfulness, discerning God’s will and trusting God even when life takes some odd turns. I was greatly encouraged by her story

The most powerful part of her testimony came when she dropped the “S” word. There was a palatable shock, a heaviness in the air. How could she say this? Is it appropriate in a med school to say this word? It is so offensive to our busy selves, our important selves, our accomplishing selves.

But she said it. She said “Sabbath”. Although there are seasons where this is extremely difficult, we should all be obedient to the Lord’s command to take a Sabbath. It is a command that is a blessing. God is telling us to stop, to rest, to worship. But in a room full of busy students preparing for a busy lifestyle, it was a shocker.

But isn’t busyness the lifestyle of the Doctor? Doesn’t the system require it? Maybe, but the world is not our standard for life, scripture is. We don’t have to be legalistic, but we do have to be obedient. The sabbath is important, as important as worshipping God, as being honest, as preserving life.

The sabbath does many things for us. It reminds us that life goes on without us and that we are not God. We remember that God created everything, and then rested and enjoyed it all, and so should we. It prohibits us from overworking others, from using them, from exploiting them. The sabbath gives us necessary physical, emotional and spiritual rest. It acknowledges that God is sovereign and we are not.

If you do not have the time for a sabbath, then you are doing some things you should not be. Everything God calls you to do leaves room for a sabbath. Again, there are seasons when it is beyond our control, but do not let it become a lifestyle. You are not that important.

This is worth reading

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 19:02:00 GMT

The post This is worth reading appeared first on Triangle Christian Medical Dental Associations.

Badge of Honor

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 22:28:00 GMT

I wear a badge. I was awarded it by a noble group of people who are highly esteemed in our culture. I announce that I have it regularly, and I have wrapped at least some of my identity around it. That badge reads “I am busy”. You have one too?

The next time someone asks how you are, or you ask someone else, see if that all too easy reply comes out, “I’m busy”. It happens all too often. Sometimes it’s true, sometimes we just want others to think it is. Our activity level has become our standard of value. It’s not how much we make, or our titles, but rather the appearance that the world would cease to rotate without us. Nations will perish, the oceans will either rise or dry up, and all mankind will endure an existential crisis.

Of course I exaggerate, but why do we need to point out how busy we are? Is it pride? Probably sometimes it is. I think also it’s because we want someone to say “just stop it!” We want permission to let go of some responsibility, permission to get the sleep we need (how sad is that?) or permission to just say “no” to a few things. So when we say busy, do we want others to tell us to slow down?

God knew this would be a problem, that our productivity would measure our value, our accomplishments becoming trophies. He knew we’d see an outsized caricature of ourselves, forgetting that He is sovereign. He knew it would be such a problem that He commands us to take a Sabbath. Not a suggestion, not a cool idea, a command.

We often quote Psalm 46:10 that says “Be still and know that I am God”, and we say that means we need to pray quietly or listen for God’s voice. That’s not what it says in context. The Psalm is a declaration of God’s power, of His protection, and His sovereignty in the midst of chaos. Read the whole Psalm. God is saying “stop striving so hard, I’ve got this”.

God has given us things to do. If we are exhausted, if we cannot obey the sabbath, if we are just too busy for too long, then there’s a really good chance we are being disobedient in some things. Figure out what those things are, and just stop it.

Stop it!

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 13:47:00 GMT

I was trying to get some admin stuff done the other day, and a friend of mine called. The timing was not good as I wanted to push through what was in front of me. It was that kind of day, one interruption after another, one urgent need to the next. I’d like to say I answered and it was a moment of crisis and I was able to be like Christ to him. That would be a lie. I did call back later and it was nothing urgent, but what if it had been?

As helpers, our lives always seem to have urgent needs, and interruptions come at us constantly. If it’s not a person in front of us, it our phones lighting up with another text, or our email notifications blinking. If we could just hide out and get stuff done… except God is often in those interruptions. How many times was Jesus “On the way to the temple” or “on the way to the seaside” when someone stops Him? A woman needs healing, a man’s child is sick, a Pharisee needs some theological adjustments.

I am not saying every interruption is a God-moment, sometimes Hs will is in exactly what is in front of you. But, instead of always being annoyed when another need presents itself, shouldn’t we at least ask if it is an opportunity for ministry? God will take care of what is necessary, if we seek first Hs Kingdom.

The flip side is to realize you are not Jesus. It is not your role to solve every problem, to step in every time to fix things. Often our pride will mandate that we are the one to fix. We almost seem incapable of saying “no”. This is not healthy, nor is it fair when we drop other commitments to meet an immediate need that may not be ours to meet. Sometimes Satan is distracting us with shiny things and the tyranny of the urgent.

So how to know when to step aside and when to journey forward? Wisdom. Seek God’s wisdom. Stop and pray and ask for wisdom which God gives generously. Is this a God ordained moment, is it my pride telling me I am the savior of this situation or is the satan distracting me? Stop and ask. The Holy Spirit will guide you. And in the end, we may never know about a particular situation, but what is important is our desire to be obedient and our attempt to do so.

I am sure that Lazarus’ family was angry that Jesus did not run to heal him. In fact, He delayed. But that’s because God’s glory was in a resurrection, not a healing. So Jesus not responding right away was God’s plan, it just didn’t feel like it.

So as life interrupts you, always ask “is it you, Lord?”

A Note from our new TCMDA Area Director – Pastor Corey Whittaker

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 16:13:00 GMT

Next Steps

Throughout our lives, there are times when we see God’s plans clearly, and other times when we feel like we are in the wilderness. One of the things I have been delving into for the past few years is the concept of God’s sovereignty. At TCMDA, this is one of those times where God is moving the pieces around for the plans He has next. I am excited to be one of those pieces. I also know that the Lord has some great ministry ahead for Paul.

I feel blessed and privileged to be asked to enter into this ministry. The Executive Council has been very welcoming and encouraging and I look forward to serving with them. Paul has done an amazing job growing this ministry and loving those he works with. I am ready to listen and learn from him as I get underway.

I come to you with a desire to serve, to encourage and to empower. I hope to help students and practitioners alike in whatever ways help you to live lives more fully for Christ. I have been in ministry for 27 years with youth and adults and will provide any training, leadership, service or counseling that helps you be the men and women of God that He calls you to be.

Finally, on the personal side, I am happily married (23 years) and have a son at NC State and a daughter starting at UNC Charlotte in the fall. I love to hike, play volleyball, read, and watch football. I grew up outside of Washington, DC but have lived in Durham for the past 17 years. I look forward to meeting as many folks as I can in the next several months and I am excited to be working with Paul over the next 2 months.

Looking forward to meeting you and serving the Lord with you through TCMDA!

Blessings,

Corey

New TCMDA Ministry to Victims of Human Trafficking. We Need Your Help and Skills.

Sun, 10 Dec 2017 15:39:00 GMT

Are you a doctor, dentist, pharmacist, nurse, physician’s assistant, optometrist, dental lab owner, durable medical equipment supplier, child health and safety retailer who is concerned about victims of human trafficking? Have you ever wondered how to get involved in providing direct services to trafficked victims? We need you.

TCMDA is pleased to announce a new effort to provide medical, dental, and other health services and safety equipment to victims of human trafficking. We are collaborating with Project Fight of the Salvation Army and Project Access . In our initial stages, we will be focusing on the Triangle region of North Carolina.

Project FIGHT (Freeing Individuals Gripped by Human Trafficking) provides comprehensive case management for victims of human trafficking found in North Carolina and works to generate education and awareness about human trafficking in the community.

We even have a dedicated email address. helptraffickingvictims@gmail.com

To read how you can help, click on continue reading.

How can I help in rendering care to trafficked victims?

TCMDA providers can offer to provide direct services at no charge to the victims. If you are already a part of Project Access, we will contact Project Access to make the referral. If not, Darlene Parsons will be the liaison contact. You do NOT need to be a member of Project Access to provide care. If you, as a provider, are interested in being a provider through Project Access, you may call Pam Carpenter at Project Access or Darlene Parsons who will contact Project Access.

We have a particular need for dentists at this time.

There is access to Wake Smiles for extremely simple care: a filling, a cleaning, etc. Anything else needs to be referred outside. In the past 6 months, we have needed to find care for 5 clients.

How many clients will be sent to me?

This answer to this question is totally up to you. At any given time, the Project Fight is working with 45 clients (and family members such as children.) In an initial trial, we assisted with the care of approximately 9 individuals. Therefore, the individual provider need not be concerned that their office will be flooded with clients in need of care. Also, anyone who volunteers to see a client can request how many clients they would be comfortable in servicing in any time frame.

Example 1

Dentist Dr. Smith is willing to see 2 patients a year.
GYN Dr. Jones is willing to see 1 patient a quarter.

The provider can also stipulate what services they will provide.

Example 2

Dentist Dr. Smith is willing to due to 2 exams and provides 1 crown and 1 bridge per year.
GYN Dr. Jones will do 2 annual exams to include pap smears and follow-up per year.

Example 3

Smith Dental Lab is willing to provide 2 crowns or 1 replacement tooth per year.
Gray’s Prosthetics will provide one brace not to exceed $1500 per year

Example 4

Big Box Baby store will provide 20 packages of diapers per year.
Joe’s Kid store will provide two car seats per year

What if I discover the client needs to be hospitalized?

This is where Project Access can step in and provide inpatient and specialized medical services.

Can I get a tax write off for this service?

Yes. The Salvation Army will provide *donations in kind* documentation based on the practitioner’s usual and customary charges for the service

What if I don’t want to see a client but would like to donate money?

Please contact this link helptraffickedvictims@gmail.com 100% of all donations will go directly to the clients of Project Fight and are tax deductible.

Who can I contact to discuss questions or to volunteer?

Darlene Parsons, a former public health nurse, will be reaching out to Christian providers to meet specific healthcare needs. She will serve as a liaison between TCMDA, Project Access and Project Fight.

Please send an email to Darlene Parsons at helptraffickedvictims@gmail.com

Tell me more about Project Fight and Project Access

Project Fight

Project Access

TCMDA Sponsored Medical Mission Outreach Trips 2017-2018

Sat, 09 Dec 2017 15:42:00 GMT

December 2-17, 2017 – South/Central Guatemalan Mountains
March 3-11, 2018 – Fermate, Haiti
May 26-June 5, 2018 – Ecuador Napo River and the Andes

For information: Dr. Joseph Cacioppo Email: cacioppo@campbell.edu . Mobile: 540-558-8530

What Is Triangle Christian Medical & Dental Associations?

Fri, 08 Dec 2017 15:45:00 GMT

Triangle Christian Medical & Dental Associations (TCMDA) is the central North Carolina local ministry group of the national organization Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA). We care for Christian healthcare students and practitioners in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding areas. Our mission statement is:

“Cultivating and disciplining the Christian healthcare community to integrate faith in practice”

The foundational Christian principles of healthcare are being eroded and dismantled by our secularized post-modern culture. Christian doctors, dentists, and other healthcare professionals need to be Biblically equipped to address such issues as abortion, euthanasia, the right of conscience, and other ethical issues.

In response, TCMDA disciples students, faculty and practitioners to realize their unique privilege and responsibility of advancing a Christian response to the secularization of healthcare delivery. Ours is not just a message of sharing the gospel to fulfill the command of the great commission. We teach practicing Christian healthcare with excellence based on love and Christian ethics.

As a Christian organization, this belief is based upon a theological triangle:

Jesus’ teachings and actions are our models for how to provide Christian healthcare. Jesus healed the body, the soul (emotions, intellect, and will), and the spirit. (Matthew 4:23-25)
Jesus assigned this work to His disciples. (Matthew 9:35-10:15; Luke 10:1-12) Christians in healthcare today are the disciples uniquely suited to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, being able to heal the body, the soul, and the spirit.
Through professional training, theological reflection, and mentoring, Christians in health care learn to walk faithfully in His footsteps. They strive for all things well. They expose – rather than impose – Jesus by proclaiming what the Lord has done for them and, as the hands and feet of Christ, what they do in His name for their patients. (Mark 7:31-37; Mark chapters 4-6, especially 5:19-20; John 13:34) Their Christian walk is an encouragement and witness to one another, colleagues, students, and patients.

As a ministry organization, TCMDA reflects our theological triangle by a ministry triangle. We care for caregivers by:

Caring for their bodies. We do this through recreation, shared meals, etc.
Teaching their souls. We do this through mentoring, guided Bible studies and presentations that focus on the direct application of Biblical principles to living, working, and ministering as Christian healthcare professionals and students.
Ministering to their spirits through pastoral care. Our Area Director-Pastor has a healthcare plus ministry background, making him exceptionally suited to minister to the complex needs and concerns of Christians in healthcare.

As a missionary organization, we serve a mission-field triangle.

Healthcare-related students at Duke and UNC.
Healthcare faculty and practitioners of all types throughout the Triangle area.
Wherever else we are asked for help in North Carolina.

TCMDA’s para-church ministry is not only uniquely different but truly necessary in this age of increasingly secularized and utilitarian healthcare.