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July 4, 2023By Carissa Krautscheid
Catholic medical professionals in the Diocese of Tucson are encouraged to connect with the newly re-established Tucson Guild of the Catholic Medical Association (CMA), which will support Catholic medical professionals and encourage Catholic patients.
Earlier this year, two women set about resurrecting CMA Tucson: Dr. Cynthia Miley and Dr. Ana Sanguinetti. In May, they coordinated the first meeting for Catholic medical professionals and were met with resounding support of eight doctors, 14 health providers, and three pre-medical students. Medical fields represented included anesthetics, ENT, dermatology, nursing, and more. Many were young doctors; all were devout and ardent Catholics. Dr. Sanguinetti presented on how abortion is not women’s healthcare.
Their second meeting in June went exceedingly well, according to Dr. Adam Turnock, who prayerfully answered the call to be the new president of CMA Tucson. “We had a full house of doctors and nurses turn out to enjoy dinner, fellowship, and prayer. Eighteen in all, many of whom were new faces.” A presentation on the Sacred Heart devotion and the Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart were led by the group’s chaplain, Canon Jonathan Fehrenbacher, who is a Catholic priest and the rector of St. Gianna Oratory in Tucson.
Dr. Turnock explained that the goal of the Tucson guild and national CMA is “formation and support of current and future physicians to live and promote the principles of the Catholic Faith in the science and practice of medicine. In brief, to inspire physicians to imitate Christ.”
All active Catholic healthcare personnel in the Diocese of Tucson are welcome to join in fellowship and discussion. “While the CMA is primarily geared towards physicians,” said Turnock, “everyone in the medical field could make use of our resources and benefits. The landscape of healthcare is constantly evolving and, at present, is relatively hostile to the truths of the Catholic Faith. Due to this unfortunate reality, it is imperative for Catholics in healthcare to be united: for ourselves, for the patients we serve, and for the field as a whole.”
CMA Tucson has “multiple leadership opportunities available for like-minded individuals who share a common desire for fellowship, formation, and service,” invited Dr. Turnock.
They are also working closely with local medical students to establish a Catholic Medical Student Association at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. “Through this,” said Dr. Turnock, “we hope to provide students with the resources necessary to courageously practice their faith and to also provide the Catholic perspective on many healthcare issues.”
The best way for medical providers to get involved with CMA Tucson is to attend meetings and events. To stay up to date on upcoming CMA meetings and events, please email [email protected] so that you can be added to their contact list. If you are an active Catholic medical professional in the Diocese of Tucson, you are encouraged to join the Catholic Medical Association to share in fellowship, faith, education, and advocacy as you practice courageous Catholic medicine.