CMDA Matters

This week, we’re joined by Drs. Francis Nuthalapaty and Darilyn Falck – two leaders passionate about mentoring and discipleship through CMDA. Drawing from decades in medicine and ministry, they share how Christ-centered mentoring restores connection, builds resilience, and forms the next generation of compassionate healthcare professionals. As corporatization and digital tools reshape healthcare, they remind us that intentional, faith-filled relationships are more vital than ever. Whether you’re mentoring, being mentored, or wondering where to start, this episode will inspire and equip you to step deeper into discipleship.

In this timely episode of CMDA Matters, Dr. Allan Josephson shares his compelling journey of standing firm in both science and faith. As a distinguished child and adolescent psychiatrist, Dr. Josephson courageously spoke out on the treatment of gender dysphoria, emphasizing evidence-based care rooted in compassion. His truth-telling led to professional backlash, including harassment and wrongful termination. But his stand for academic freedom and patient advocacy resulted in a legal victory and a powerful reminder of the cost – and the calling – of conviction. Join us for an essential conversation about faith, freedom, and advocating for vulnerable patients, especially children, in a challenging cultural climate.

In this episode of CMDA Matters, Dr. Mike Chupp and co-host Pastor Bert Jones welcome Dr. Tom Hustead, a retired Army Colonel and now President and CEO of The Referent Group. With a decorated 24-year military career, including leadership as a NATO medical facility commander and Flight Surgeon of the Year, Dr. Hustead shares his journey from military medicine to equipping healthcare leaders through executive coaching. His approach challenges professionals to lead with character, clarity, and purpose.

In this live-recorded episode from the 2025 CMDA National Convention, we sit down with Dr. HK, DDS, Oral Medicine and Associate Executive Officer of ICMDA, who serves across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. A passionate servant-leader, Dr. HK shares how one “yes” to a volunteer opportunity launched a lifetime of Christ-centered influence in healthcare. From training leaders through the Saline Process to mentoring students in mission outreaches and advocating for the marginalized, his story invites us to see our own work through an eternal lens. Whether you’re in a small clinic or a global network, this conversation will stir your heart for discipleship, purpose, and the global call of the Great Commission in medicine and dentistry.

This week on CMDA Matters, we’re honored to be joined by Dr. Don Wood, former CMDA President and our oldest living past president. With a life marked by service, humility, and unwavering faith, Dr. Wood offers wisdom that spans generations. From practicing medicine to mentoring future healthcare professional leaders or guiding CMDA through seasons of growth and challenge, his impact runs deep. Join us for a special legacy interview as we delve into Dr. Wood’s early years in healthcare, the hurdles he overcame as a Christian physician, and the timeless lessons he’s gleaned from decades of dedicated service. His insights on calling, leadership, and enduring faith are both comforting and catalytic for those serving today.

This week on CMDA Matters, we’re joined by Dr. Brick Lantz, CMDA’s new Vice President of Advocacy and Bioethics. With decades of experience as an orthopedic surgeon, bioethics enthusiast, and medical director of a pregnancy center, Dr. Lantz brings wisdom, clarity, and deep faith to some of the most pressing issues facing Christian healthcare professionals today. Whether you’re navigating ethical tensions or simply seeking spiritual encouragement, this conversation will equip and inspire. Dr. Lantz reminds us that advocacy isn’t just for the bold – it’s for the faithful.

This week on CMDA Matters, we’re honored to share the remarkable story of Drs. Andy Oishi and Laurie Tam, a husband-and-wife team serving through healthcare and ministry in Hawaii and the Pacific basin. After boldly publishing an editorial affirming the sanctity of life, Dr. Oishi faced unexpected professional loss, leading them into a season of uncertainty and hardship. Yet through every closed door, God opened greater opportunities for Kingdom impact—far beyond what they had imagined. Their journey is a powerful reminder that bold faith, resilience, and obedience can turn even the hardest seasons into stories of extraordinary purpose and hope.

On this episode of CMDA Matters, Dr. Greg Sund shares how faith and healthcare intersect in life-changing ways across Sub-Saharan Africa. Called by God to serve through global missions, Dr. Sund is working to improve anesthesia training and surgical safety in regions where resources are limited and lives hang in the balance. Through key partnerships and a dedicated team, Dr. Sund is transforming patient care and equipping future generations of healthcare professionals in rural hospitals. This inspiring conversation explores the intersection of faith, healthcare, and mission—and the extraordinary things that happen when God’s people say “yes.”

This week on CMDA Matters, Patrick Riecke, an ethics leader, author, and coach, joins Dr. Chupp and Pastor Bert Jones to talk candidly about burnout – an all-too-common struggle for healthcare professionals. Drawing from his own journey through burnout, as well as his extensive experience in both ministry and healthcare leadership, Patrick shares practical wisdom, hope-filled encouragement, and a Christ-centered perspective for navigating exhaustion, cynicism, and even the desire to give up.

In this episode of CMDA Matters, Dr. Chupp is joined by Dr. K, Chair of CMDA’s newest specialty section—Emergency Medicine—along with Bill Reichart, CMDA’s VP of Campus & Community Ministries. Together, we unpack how emergency medicine can serve as a front-line ministry in places with the greatest spiritual and physical needs. Dr. K shares powerful stories of faith, sacrifice, and the unique role Christian healthcare professionals can play in global missions, especially among the most unreached people.

Pornography addiction is a deeply personal and often unspoken struggle, especially for leaders and professionals who fear the consequences of being honest about their struggles. In this episode, Dr. Mike Chupp and Pastor Bert Jones are joined by Nick Stumbo, Executive Director of Pure Desire Ministries, to discuss the realities of addiction, the path to healing, and the importance of a strong support system.

Retirement is a transition many look forward to, but how can Christian healthcare professionals navigate this season with purpose, faith, and joy? In this episode of CMDA Matters, we share a powerful CMDA livestream featuring Pastor Bert Jones, CMDA’s VP of Missions & Member Care, and Dr. Steve Sartori, founder of CMDA’s Coaching Ministry. Together, they explore what it means to finish well, stay intentional, and embrace God’s calling in this new stage of life. Drawing from Paul’s words to Timothy about keeping the faith, this conversation is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and practical guidance for anyone preparing for retirement. Tune in for insights on finding fulfillment beyond your healthcare career and stepping into retirement with confidence and joy.

In this episode of CMDA Matters, we welcome Dr. Peter Cole, a distinguished orthopedic surgeon, educator at the University of Minnesota, and founder of Scalpel At The Cross—a medical mission transforming lives in Pucallpa, Peru. Dr. Cole built Scalpel At The Cross alongside his wife Nancy in 2004, dedicating their skills and faith to providing life-changing musculoskeletal care in the Peruvian Amazon.

In this episode of CMDA Matters, we’re joined by two incredible leaders from our Women Physicians and Dentists in Christ (WPDC) ministry. Dr. Sarah Rahkola, an internist and clinic medical director at Providence Medical Group specializing in geriatric care and substance use disorders, and Elisa M. Ghezzi, a geriatric dentist with 25 years of experience and a PhD in Epidemiology who teaches at the University of Michigan, share their powerful stories of faith and leadership. Together, they reveal how they’ve answered God’s call to serve and equip women through WPDC, an outreach ministry of CMDA that provides resources for Christian physicians and dentists striving to integrate their personal, professional, and spiritual lives. From mentorship to overcoming the isolation and corporatization of medicine, Drs. Rahkola and Ghezzi offer insight and encouragement for women in healthcare seeking to live out their faith and purpose. Tune in to be inspired by their dedication and vision! Listen now: https://bit.ly/43IjJvv

This week’s episode features an inspiring guest: Dr. Klaus-Dieter John—a world-renowned surgeon, medical missionary, and founder of Diospi Suyana, a modern hospital serving the Quechua people in the Peruvian Andes. For nearly 20 years, Dr. John and his wife, Dr. Martina John, have faced incredible challenges while bringing high-quality medical care and the hope of the gospel to thousands who previously had little to no access to healthcare. His story of faith, perseverance, and God’s miraculous provision will inspire and encourage you to trust in God’s calling—even when the road ahead seems impossible. Listen now: https://cmda.org/podcast/dr-klaus-john

On this episode, we catch up with an internationally known speaker, and someone who will be joining us on stage at this year’s CMDA National Convention, Ryan Bomberger. Our conversation includes the incredible story of a man who truly epitomizes a “life redeemed,” not just in his spiritual life, but his mortal life as well. Join us now and listen to Ryan Bomberger describe his journey to become a voice of opposition against victimhood mentality, critical race theory, DEI and anti-race theory. It’s a fascinating discussion. SHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE: Now is the time to REGISTER for the 2025 CMDA National Convention! Over a thousand healthcare professionals from all over the country will gather to uphold truth and to enjoy heartfelt community together. You’ll see and hear from Ryan Bomberger at our special Saturday evening plenary session, and be inspired, I believe by his graphic media presentation. Register today at NATCON.CMDA.ORG. – Ryan is happily married to the love of his life, Bethany. They are the proud homeschooling parents of four amazing children, two of whom were adopted. They are his daily inspiration in illuminating that every human life has God-given purpose. https://radiancefoundation.org/ryan/

On this week’s episode of CMDA Matters, Dr. Mike Chupp and Dr. Jeff Barrows are joined for two conversations with Echo VanderWal and Dr. Monique Chireau Wubbenhorst to discuss the challenges facing global healthcare given the recent government funding changes related to USAID. RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE: 2025 CMDA National ConventionEmail CMDA MattersCMDA Bookstore

On this week’s episode of CMDA Matters, Dr. Mike Chupp and George Courtney chat with Professor Mark Wilson about his work as founder and director of the Asia Minor Research Center and opportunities to participate in upcoming CMDA biblical tours. RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE: Give to CMDAEmail CMDA MattersCMDA BookstoreCMDA Placement ServicesCMDA Biblical ToursContact CMDA Stewardship2025 CMDA National Convention

On this week’s episode of CMDA Matters, Dr. Mike Chupp and Dr. Jeff Barrows are joined by Dr. Catherine Wheeler, a board-certified OB/Gyn who was practicing abortions until God changed her heart. She joined them to share how God is now using her to speak truth in the public square and advocate for life. RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE: Give to CMDAEmail CMDA MattersCMDA BookstoreFreedom2CareStanding Strong in Training2025 CMDA National ConventionAmerican Association of Pro-life Obstetricians and GynecologistsContact CMDA Advocacy

On this week’s episode of CMDA Matters, Dr. Mike Chupp and Dr. Jeff Barrows are joined by Dr. Sharmayne Brooks to talk about CMDA’s Commission on Human Trafficking and how healthcare professionals can protect their vulnerable patients who are being held in modern-day slavery. RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE: Give to CMDAEmail CMDA MattersCMDA BookstoreGlobal Health OutreachCMDA Learning CenterCommission on Human TraffickingFinding Freedom by Dr. Jeff BarrowsPrevious Interview with Ashleigh Chapman – 2022Previous Interview with Ashleigh Chapman – 2023