Practicing Catholic Medicine

Episode 13 is here with a fantastically fun conversation with Marissa Mullins. Marissa worked as an ER nurse for many years, and just graduated with her Doctorate of Nurse Practitioner. I was eager to talk with Marissa because we share a mutual friend in Claire, the host of the Catholic Feminist Podcast. Marissa was on TCF several years ago (listen online here), and I knew she would be a great guest for PCM. In this episode, we chat about: · Marissa’s experience as a travel nurse in the ICU, and as an emergency department nurse How she navigated the more challenging days in the ED, including processing trauma and setting appropriate boundaries The gift and  experience of anticipatory grief, and the importance of honesty in the reality of diagnoses Her decision to pursue a degree as a FNP and the different roles nurse practitioners can have Masters versus Doctorate NP programs Singleness in late 20s/early 30s and what people who are single want their married friends to know Not comparing crosses with others We reference: The book Boundaries,  by Henry Cloud and John Townsend Elizabeth Kübler-Ross and her work on grief Brew City Catholic The Blessed is She podcast I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed talking with Marissa! In Christ, Catie **The usual boring disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast by myself and my guests are our own and do not represent those of our employers. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical care. Please see your healthcare provider for any medical needs. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. **

Did you that there are non-hormonal, peer-reviewed, evidence-based, ways to prevent (and achieve) pregnancy that are all about helping women know their bodies better, can also help to achieve pregnancy, and recognized by the CDC? In episode 12, I’m talking with Louise Boychuk, a registered nurse and instructor of the Marquette method of natural family planning.  This is NOT your grandmother’s rhythm method of old. This is a peer-reviewed, evidence-based, non-hormonal approach to avoiding (AND achieving) pregnancy. Natural Family Planning (NFP), also known as Fertility Based Awareness Methods (FABMs) in the scientific community, refers to methods that use signs from a woman’s body to determine when she is fertile (and, also importantly, when she is most likely not fertile). Methods can use a variety of different biological markers, from cervical mucous, to hormone levels in urine that can be tested at home, to body temperature, and more. This is easily one of my favorite topics, most notably because I used to be ardently opposed to what I thought the Church taught on sex and marriage. As you’ll hear in the episode, up until my early 20s, I thought the Church was crazy when it came to its teaching on sexual ethics and not using contraception. My (wrong) understanding was that the Church just wanted women to be, as the old adage goes, “barefoot and pregnant”, forever and ever. (FYI-To all of those who are currently in that scenario, I see you, I hear you, I get you, and I hope you’ll hang in there with me through this post and this episode.) Enter a good friend, a lot of reading, holy priests, wonderful speakers, and a 2-year stint as a Catholic missionary. I was led on a journey that to joy at discovering the truth of how insanely awesome God’s design for sex and marriage is, and we're going to dive into that in this episode. These teachings aren’t in place because the Church thinks sex is bad, it’s because the Church knows sex is so good, and sacred, and important- it needs to be treated as such! Here’s the TL;DR version of the Church’s teaching on sex and marriage: Sex is meant to be both unitive and procreative. Unitive meaning that it brings a man and woman closer together emotionally, physically, all the things. Procreative in that it’s open to life, so no barriers, either physical or chemical. Abstaining from sex during fertile times to avoid pregnancy for just reasons is still in line with the church’s teaching because there is no use of something to purposefully block fertility. As Louise says in our episode, “Marquette method does not equal opposed to life, it just equals good science.”  Many providers aren’t aware of the evidence (cue my eyeroll when I read through my discharge paper work after having my baby and under the ‘Birth Control’ section, my OBGYN wrote ‘rhythm method’), the good news is that there is peer-reviewed evidence-based journal articles. As you’ll hear in the podcast, the information is slowly disseminating, and even the CDC updated their public information regarding FABMs to more accurately provide pregnancy prevention statistics. It’s our job as practitioners to get the news out there. We chat about a lot, including: ⁃ The science behind NFP (specifically the Marquette Method) ⁃ The effectiveness of various NFP methods at avoiding pregnancy ⁃ How NFP fits in with Church teaching ⁃ Joys and challenges of being an NFP instructor ⁃ How to become a Marquette instructor (you have to be a healthcare professional, which is perfect for the listeners of this podcast!) I also have a lot of resources that I mention that won't fit in this show notes space, so visit www.practicingcatholicmedicine.com for a lil blog post that expands on this and for links to all the things. 

Season two is underway! It has been too long. Since I last released an episode, I gave birth to a little girlie, Lucy, in December. She is seriously such a delight and is babbling and smiling away. In this episode I talk with my friend Ann Kruse, a registered dietitian working in a long-term senior care facility. This episode was recorded last summer, long before “social distancing” was a buzzword and when we could meet up with friends any time we wanted. Enjoy a podcast NOT about COVID! We discuss: o The wide scope of practice for a registered dietician o Ann’s experience working in a long-term senior care facility o The relationship between food and faith. o Newlywed life We reference: o A Love-Letter Life By Jeremy and Audrey Roloff o One Beautiful Dream by Jennifer Fulweiler o Ann’s website, A Dietician's ANNalysis, where she talks about all things dietetics and nutrition o This article, which talks about emotionally healthy ways to process emotions during this pandemic As always, the views expressed by my guests and myself are not necessarily those of our employers, and this podcast is not meant to intended to replace medical advice from a licensed provider. Please see your healthcare provider for any medical concerns. Stay healthy and God bless!

  Episode 10 is officially here! I chat with Andrea Polito, a registered nurse in pediatric oncology AND a consecrated virgin. This episode also marks the end of Season 1! Practicing Catholic Medicine will be taking a short break as I gather more interviews and continue to make the podcast even better! I will let you all know when the next season starts. Before I met Andrea, I had no idea what it meant to be a lay consecrated virgin. She explains the rich history of the vocation and her call to it. This episode is perfect for anyone in those “discerning” stages- whether it’s discerning a job, a vocation, or a big move. I especially loved Andrea’s advice on looking for Christ, and remember that He moves in the ordinary, seemingly mundane parts of life! You can read an article written about Andrea's vocation here. Andrea is a nurse in pediatric oncology, a field with high-highs and low-lows. I especially wanted to share this episode in May because six years ago this month by cousin’s young daughter Kayleen passed away from childhood leukemia after a long, hard-fought battle. If you’re looking to support children and families with childhood cancer, I cannot recommend enough her legacy foundation, which you can read more about here. Another wonderful organization that I was blessed to volunteer with is Camp Wapiyapi, a summer camp in Colorado that is FREE for children with pediatric cancer AND their siblings!  Andrea and I chat about: - Her passion for the field of child cancer care - Resiliency in an emotionally straining field - Her vocation as a consecrated virgin, including what it means to be a consecrated virgin and how she discerned this call (she was definitely not expecting it!) We reference: - The Power and the Glory, by Graham Greene - The Ball and the Cross, by GK Chesterton Enjoy! -Catie * A reminder that the views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of our employers, and that this podcast is not meant to replace medical care. Please see your medical provider for any medical concerns. *

 Episode 9 is with Hannah Wilson, a physician assistant (PA) working in outpatient general pediatrics. This was actually the first interview I recorded for the podcast, way back in the summer of 2018. Hannah is a good friend of mine and fellow PA who is from my husband’s hometown. I saw Hannah grow as a PA, from just starting out to now being over a year in as a very competent provider. Our interview focuses primarily on life in the first year of work in healthcare, but I think it’s a great episode for everyone regardless of where they are at in their career.  We talk about: - How to overcome the doubt in your abilities as a provider in that first year, including how to draw strength and how to continue learning as much as possible to best serve patients - The role of PAs and the scope of their practice - Advice for new grads applying for jobs, including what to look for in a practice We reference: - He Leadeth Me, By Walter Ciszek - The Silence of St. Thomas, by Josef Pieper - A River Runs Through It,  by Norman MaClean Enjoy! - Catie * A reminder that the views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of our employers, and that this podcast is not meant to replace medical care. Please see your medical provider for any medical concerns. *

 This month’s episode is with Dr. Claire Uebbing, an attending physician working in Global Health medicine.  Claire has an impressive CV. She received her medical training at Indiana University School of Medicine.  After graduation, she went on to complete an emergency medicine residency in Detroit, Michigan. Claire then furthered her training with a global health fellowship and a Master’s degree in public health at Colombia University, while at the same time serving as an attending physician in emergency medicine in New York. During her fellowship and the years that have followed, Claire has worked abroad in many countries, including Uganda, Mozambique, Cambodia, Panama, Kenya, and her current position is in Papa New Guinea. Claire brings a wealth of experience and the unique perspective of medicine worldwide. We chat about: ⁃ What global medicine is (hint: it’s not a mission trip!) ⁃ What drew her into global health medicine as a full-time career ⁃ Her experiences as an emergency medicine resident in Detroit, and the ways socioeconomic status affect our patients ⁃ The worldwide church ⁃ Lessons from working abroad on the US healthcare system We reference: ⁃ Project C.U.R.E ⁃ The Good Earth series by Pearl Buck Enjoy! -Catie * A reminder that the views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of our employers, and that this podcast is not meant to replace medical care. Please see your medical provider for any medical concerns. *

  Episode 7 is here, and it’s with Dr. Matt DiLizia, an intern surgical resident in Washington, DC.  I promised way back in the intro episode that this podcast wouldn’t be all female guests (although I’ve loved all the past guests, haven’t you??), and I’m so excited to share this conversation. We had a great, honest conversation that I think you’ll really enjoy! We talked about: - What life as an intern resident is really like - How Matt chose which residency programs to apply for - How to navigate the ‘unknown’s in life and abandon ourselves to God’s will (even when that means moving across the country!) - And more! We referenced: - The St. Joseph of Cupertino Prayer  - St. Joseph the Worker Prayer  - Prayer of Abandonment by St. Charles de Foucauld  - Soul of the Apostolate, by Jean-Baptiste Chautard - Start With Why, by Simon Sinek * A reminder that the views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of our employers, and that this podcast is not meant to replace medical care. Please see your medical provider for any medical concerns. *

In this episode, Megan and I dive deep into the world of medical missions and her experience as a participant and as a leader for numerous medical missions around the world.  We chat about:  - How to find a good organization for medical missions (hint: finding one that has the resources for follow up care for those you serve) - Concerns raised by others, such as “Do medical missions even matter?”, and “People going on medical missions are just looking to feel good about themselves and get pictures with cute kids.” - How medical missions help you become a better provider where you currently serve, and how our call to serve in America is no different than serving on a mission abroad. We reference: - FOCUS Medical Missions - Family Missions Company - He Leadeth Me, by Fr. Walter J. Ciszek  - International Missionary Foundation Enjoy!  * A reminder that the views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of our employers, and that this podcast is not meant to replace medical care. Please see your medical provider for any medical concerns.  *

Episode 5 is with Alexandra Martinez, a registered nurse in inpatient pediatrics. After a heavier conversation last month, I thought a fun, lighter conversation was in order. This episode is especially for the students out there and the 20-somethings trying to figure out life. Alex and I chat about: - How to navigate a busy schedule as a student, and how those long days and trying to balance everything is worth it in your future career - Advice on finding the field in medicine that is right for you, and ways to boost your resume to land in the career you want - Wedding planning, being newlyweds, and Alex shares the joy it was to walk alongside her husband in his first communion, reconciliation, and confirmation before they were married. We reference: - The Magnolia Story, by Chip and Joanna Gaines Also, I have some very exciting news to share! A book I contributed to was released last month. It’s called By His Mercy, by Tricia Walz, and can be purchased for only $15 (with all proceeds to charity!) at http://www.lulu.com/shop/tricia-walz/by-his-mercy/paperback/product-23872741.html?fbclid=IwAR2H3HbYEkFS7gOgAJnvz_xDvqAEs6XNg6d4gJUIcIqfYLCh9mmjlt2r4K8. It’s a compilation of 11 young adult’s stories of God working miracles in their lives, and of His great mercy. My story includes kidney failure, a plane crash, and a flood, all in the span of about a year- God sure knew I needed a lot of opportunities for his mercy to shine brightly through. **The usual boring disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast by myself and my guest are our own and do not necessarily represent those of our employers. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical care. Please see your healthcare provider for any medical needs.**

November's episode is with Dr. Natalie Rodden, a palliative care attending physician. We chat about: - The field of palliative medicine and how it helps people live their best lives - How the culture has changed with the passing of death with dignity/physician assisted suicide laws - How to avoid burnout and find joy in your job We reference: Dying for Revenge, by Barbara Golder Dying for Compassion, by Barbara Golder I hope you enjoy! Don't forget to follow Practicing Catholic Medicine on Instagram @practicingcatholicmedicine. www.practicingcatholicmedicine.com **The usual boring disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast by myself and my guest are our own and do not necessarily represent those of our employer. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical care. Please see your healthcare provider for any medical needs.**

In Episode 3, I talk with Katieri Thielke, a pediatric intensive care nurse. Katieri was one of the first people I shared my vision to start a podcast with, and through great conversation with her the idea to build a podcast centered around 'sharing life' came to be. Given that, her interview just had to be one of the launching episodes! We chat about: - Discerning what field of medicine to enter when you feel a call to be a provider - Navigating the loss of pediatric patients - Advice for new grads We mention: - Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation, Gaudete et Exsultate - Chiara Corbella Petrillo: A Witness to Joy, by Simone Troisi, Christian Paccini Enjoy! **The usual boring disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast by myself and my guest are our own and do not necessarily represent those of our employer. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical care. Please see your healthcare provider for any medical needs.**

Episode 2 brings you an interview with Dede Chism, MSN, PNNP, executive director of Bella Natural Women's Care and Family Clinic.  In this episode, we talk about: - Trusting in God and the importance of prayer - The unique clinic Dede and her daughter started a few years ago, and ways their clinic is designed to honor the dignity of each and every human being - How training for a marathon relates to starting new projects - Fundraising and trusting that God will provide We reference: - The Complete Works of St. Teresa of Avila - The Giver and the Gift: Principles of Kingdom Fundraising by Peter Greer and David Weekley - Bella Natural Women's Care and Family Wellness Clinic - Pro Women's Healthcare Centers (www.pwhcenters.org) **The usual boring disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast by myself and my guest are our own and do not necessarily represent those of our employer. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical care. Please see your healthcare provider for any medical needs.**

Welcome to Practicing Catholic Medicine, a podcast for practicing Catholics, practicing medicine! This podcast is dedicated to developing community, encouraging conversation, and discussing top-notch medical care that respects the dignity of all of our patients. In this episode, I introduce myself and the podcast, and share a little more about what you can expect from future episodes. Thank you for joining! **The usual boring disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast by myself and my guest are our own and do not necessarily represent those of our employer. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical care. Please see your healthcare provider for any medical needs.**

Welcome back, everyone! Episode 15 is with Dr. Robyn Jennings, a family medicine physician who serves with Mission Doctors Association, a Catholic organization that provides medical care for the poor and training for local healthcare professionals. While we’ve talked medical missions on this podcast before, this episode brings the fresh perspective of long-term medical missions with a family- and Dr. Jennings was preparing to leave for another mission when we talked! We talk about: Dr. Jenning’s conversion to Catholicism Long-term medical missions and her experiences serving abroad in Ghana, Honduras,  and Tanzania (as a student) Practicing medicine without the ease of access to supplies/tests/specialists Living abroad on mission with children Dating and marriage in medical school  We reference: Mission Doctors Association - I also encourage you to donate if you feel compelled!  Dr. Jenning’s blog We reference the books Old Pioneers and Death Comes to the Archbishop by Willa Cather, and Jo’s Boys by Louisa May Alcott. Follow us on Instagram @practicingcatholicmedicine I am seeking new guests! If you have anyone you’d like to nominate, please go to our website and click the nominate tab. I’d love to hear from a wide range of professions in healthcare! The views expressed by my guests and myself are not necessarily those of our employers, and this podcast is not meant to intended to replace medical advice from a licensed provider. Please see your healthcare provider for any medical concerns. St. Gianna, Pray for Us!

Episode 14 is with Lisa Gormley (LLC), MA, LPC. Lisa provides beautiful insights into what it’s like on the other side of the counseling session, to be the counselor. She has some excellent thoughts on what it means to honor your healthcare license while practicing ethically and as an authentic Catholic. We chat about: - Complicity and scrupulosity versus being present to another and approaching with a listening ear first - Motherhood and mental health in pregnancy and post-partum period - Integrating therapy and Catholicism - The “pray it away” culture and its damaging implications We reference/check out: - Lisa’s public Instagram profile @TheCatholicTherapist, and www.thecatholictherapist.org - Lisa’s Instagram group @catholiccliniciansnetworking- join for a community of healthcare professionals! - Lisa’s podcast, Mission Mind & Heart - The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander - The Catholic Guide to Depression by Dr. Aaron Kheriaty - Resisting Happiness by Matthew Kelly I hope you enjoy! - Catie ** The views expressed in this podcast by myself and my guests are our own and do not represent those of our employers. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical care. Please see your healthcare provider for any medical needs. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please see your healthcare provider for any healthcare needs.**