VCOM - Carolinas 2017 Yearbook

CMDA Christian Medical and Dental Association

Cody Rogers, President; Eric Sensenbrenner, Vice President; Harrison Daves, Treasurer; Kyle Dannemiller, Secretary

T he Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA) exists for students to serve Christ together and support one another throughout the adventure of medical school. CMDA members strive to serve and love their fellow students, the community and the world. In keeping with CMDA’s global mission of helping medical professionals meet the physical, emotional and especially the spiritual needs of patients, members strive to support and educate medical students while making a positive impact on the community. Rather than viewing VCOM’s challenging curriculum as an overwhelming obstacle that could divert energy away from faith, members see this time as a wonderful

opportunity to lean on God more than ever. In doing so, they experience great growth in their walk with Christ. CMDA provides opportunities for student members to grow in their faith through regular Bible studies, social events and regularly supporting one another in prayer. In the fall, CMDA participated in the national “See You at the Pole” event. The organization emphasizes building a strong Christian network, which includes social events such as the annual Christmas Party at the house of Matt Cannon, DO, and an ice cream social for members. The organization hosted several local Christian physicians this year to share how the profession and faith intersect in their lives. Guest speaker Michael Watkins, MD, discussed the process of late-term miscarriages and how

healthcare professionals respond to care for the patient. CMDA is a national organization, and as such, has a hierarchy that extends beyond VCOM. This year, the Regional Director for the Southern Region, Will Gunnels, visited the College to speak at an event that was catered by the VCOM-Carolinas Student Advocate Association. Every spring, CMDA members attend the organization’s national convention. This is a great opportunity for students to build relationships with one another, network with practicing Christian physicians, and rejuvenate themselves, both physically and spiritually.

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