
Having begun two months ago as the new National Director for Medical Students for Life of America, I am pleased to report on what we have been working on for you these past two months.
First, allow me to introduce myself. I’m Dr. Gerard Nadal (Ph.D. Molecular Microbiology).
Through my pro-life science blog, Coming Home, I’ve been writing about the scientific data that supports a return of medicine to its traditional moral and ethical moorings. Having taught college level biology (micro, immunology, A&P) for sixteen years, I believe that my contributions are better made here in this arena, the education of physicians, PA’s and NP’s. So here is what I have been up to.
I’ve traveled the country, meeting with pro-life physicians and ethicists, listening to their vision of what the needs of medical students, resident physicians, PA’s and NP’s are, and what it is that we can do. Beginning in 2012 we’re going to do the following:
Conferences: One of the greatest scandals in medicine in recent decades has been the eugenic mentality that has seized hold in the area of poor prenatal diagnoses. Beginning with an all-day conference at Family Research Council headquarters in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, January 21, and several more times throughout the year, we are focussing on the theme: Therapeutic Advances in Prenatal Diagnoses.
At these conferences, physicians and ethicists will tackle the difficult questions, and provide the most up to date clinical approaches for the babies and parents alike. Medical students will have the opportunity to present papers.
All conferences will be live webcast and uploaded to a video library that will be constructed here on this site. Over the next few years, we’ll be hosting conferences on a range of topics.
Externships: We are actively engaged in setting up summer externships and summer training in pro-life ethical medicine.
Mentoring: A list of pro-life physicians and bioethicists willing to be consulted by students and resident physicians is being compiled, and a mentorship program will be announced at some time in the Spring semester.
Conscience Protections: The Alliance Defense Fund is a pro-life law firm providing pro bono legal representation to medical professionals and students whose conscience rights come under attack. In the Spring, we will have an evening webcast dealing with this topic. As with all conferences and seminars, it will be permanently uploaded to our video library.
Scientific Medical Library: Over time, we will be adding a reference list for journal articles and government data dealing with the life issues.
Annual Awards Dinner: Beginning in May, we will have an annual dinner honoring our new medical school graduates and graduates of residency training, as well as honoring one pro-life physician who has distinguished themselves in the education of our students.
Campus Lectures: We’re lining up a Spring speaking tour with a pro-life physician and myself. Stay tuned.
New Groups: If anyone knows of friends in other medical schools, forward their contact information to me at: gnadal@studentsforlife.org
If anyone is on campus with other groups such as CMA and CMDA, we exist to support ALL pro-life students.
That’s just the start! Spread the good word, and please email me and introduce yourselves. I’m here for you, for your needs. If you have some other ideas, or if there is ever anything I can do, please let me know.
For now, check back here frequently for new articles on the science and medicine, and for new announcements. Subscribe to the site to have new posts emailed.
The best of luck in your studies, and the thanks of the entire team here for your courageous witness to life.
~Gerry Nadal