One doctor's spiritual Journey (so far)

In 2003, the author of this article, who is on the staff of a Tennessee hospital, entered St. Louis's Aquinas Institute of Theology's program in health care mission, seeking to fulfill his longing for greater personal spirituality. Three years later, he is preparing to graduate with a master's degree, and is looking forward to sharing what he has learned with fellow physicians and others. The author credits the program with offering him a much broader understanding of why Catholic health care is a ministry, not just a not-for-profit enterprise. He sees his work at St. Mary's as an exercise in spirituality, and he sees his profession as a personal ministry. He now wants to share what he has learned. The author, who has helped initiate new programs for physician spirituality at his hospital, also speaks at community events about the healing mission of Catholic health care. He hopes that all doctors will reclaim their ancient tradition of providing compassionate care for poor, underserved, and vulnerable persons, and seek to be healing presences to those they serve.