The Point of Medicine
A forum of Christian Medical & Dental Associations®
The Point of Medicine aims to stimulate thought and discussion on the most pressing issues in healthcare. Through this forum, we hope to educate, encourage, and equip healthcare professionals and the Church to practice and advocate for good medicine – that which is God-honoring and committed to the flourishing of the patient as an image bearer. Articles on this forum are intended to promote scholarship and Biblical wisdom, providing clarity on the issues of the day, to bring glory and honor to God.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily express the views of CMDA. To stimulate thought and discussion, articles will end with questions under the prompt, “What Is The Point?” We encourage you to join the conversation on our website with intrigue and humility and share your experience, insight, and expertise. CMDA has a rigorous and representative process in formulating official positions, which are largely limited to bioethical issues. Those official positions can be viewed here.
Bioethics | Immunizations | In the News | Patient Care | Vaccination
2026 US Childhood Immunization Schedule Reduction and the Christian Clinician: A Bioethical Analysis of Process and Content
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RECENT Articles
AI in Medicine: A Primer
By Steven Willing, MD |
Clinicians have used computerized image analysis for decades, particularly in ultrasound and nuclear medicine. Earlier systems relied on explicit, rule‑based algorithms written by engineers. The transition to what is now properly called “artificial intelligence” occurred when models began learning their own features and decision logic directly from data—most notably with the adoption of deep learning in medical imaging over the last decade.
2026 US Childhood Immunization Schedule Reduction and the Christian Clinician: A Bioethical Analysis of Process and Content
By Richard K. Zimmerman, MD MPH MA (Bioethics) FAAFP FIDSA |
We have major concerns about the comparisons and processes used in reducing the federal number of recommended childhood immunizations and fear the disharmony with professional societies will lead to further confusion and distrust of public health.
The 10 Commandments of Responsible Chatbot Use
By Steven Willing, MD |
Do you remember the Turing test—that computers will have truly arrived when you can’t tell whether you’re talking with a computer or a human? Well, that bridge has been crossed, and now we’re on the other side.
Christians in Medical School: Why Faith Belongs in Medical Training
By Kayla Grooters |
Medical school is a like a marathon, for which you are both grateful and terrified to run. For the first half, you are force fed from a fire hose seemingly every factoid about human genetics, embryology, physiology and anatomy, all summarized in the 30,000 Anki cards you will commit to memory.
Chaos in Minnesota
By Brick Lantz, MD |
Immigration is a complex issue. God established boundaries among nations for our own well-being. Governments have a responsibility to protect those boundaries. Both extreme positions of no boundaries or borders versus completely closed boundaries or borders leads to social disorder. Advocating for a balance is important.
Hepatitis B Vaccine and the Christian Clinician: A Bioethical Analysis of the Votes in December 2025 of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
By Richard K. Zimmerman, MD MPH MA (Bioethics) FAAFP FIDSA |
God’s truth in Scripture and creation extends to scientific truths via common grace. The speech of God, which is always truthful, results in Scripture, creation and providence.
Ethical Issues in Dentistry: Treatment Recommendations
By William Griffin, DDS |
Perhaps the most pervasive of the ethical challenges in dentistry is related to the area of treatment recommendations. This topic is challenging by virtue of the simple fact that almost all clinical problems in dentistry can be treated in multiple ways.
The Importance of Christian Values in Modern Medicine and Healthcare
By Brick Lantz, MD |
I love studying the Bible because it conveys God’s plan and His compassion. We are in the new covenant with Christ. The Mosaic covenant ended. The law had a purpose. Human nature remains the same.
A Christian’s Guide to Practicing Healthcare
By Jeffrey Barrows, DO, MA (Bioethics) |
The benefits of taking the risk to speak out are not only eternal but will also increase your sense of joy knowing that you are walking in obedience to the Lord. But that does not mean it will be easy, which is why I recommend regularly reading about persecuted Christians around the world.
Not By Might, Nor By Power
By Steven Willing, MD |
Over two millennia, followers of Christ have transformed the world, and today we live in a wealthier, kinder, fairer and freer state than could ever have been imagined by a commoner or slave in ancient Rome. Yet almost none of that was accomplished through seizing the reigns of earthly power.
What Good Has Christianity Ever Done for the World?
By André Van Mol, MD |
“The fact is that the majority of the early church fathers valued their own classical educations…” and that “Christianity became the major patron of education in the Latin West and a major borrower from the classical intellectual tradition.”
Hope, Peace, Joy and Love: Anticipation and Preparation
By Nicole D. Hayes, MPA |
Oh, how we pray for things to be righted right now in our world! Romans 8:22 says, “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now” (ESV).
Christian Healthcare in a Violent World
By John K. Petty, MD, MS |
While violence is not original to our times, it is certainly true of our times. It takes numerous different forms, all of them ugly: child abuse, intimate partner violence, gang violence, “random” violence, political violence, hate crime, elder abuse, workplace violence and countless other manifestations.
Mourning During the Holidays
By Robert E. Cranston, MD, MA (Ethics) |
Tomorrow, my eldest step-son, Travis, my son, would have celebrated his 42nd birthday. He died two years ago. We will not be celebrating with him tomorrow. This year as we have celebrated and will celebrate his three sons’ birthdays, he has not been and will not be here with us.
The Blessing of Justin: Seeing God’s Purpose in Our Son’s Life
By David Beyda, MD |
Justin—a man with intellectual disabilities whose life has revealed the quiet power of love, faith and belonging. What began as a journey filled with uncertainty became one of profound grace, reminding us that God’s greatest gifts often come through the lives of those who teach us how to love without condition.
How Can We Disagree Well?
By Nicole D. Hayes, MPA |
"I wish we could have civil conversations to discuss an issue and share perspectives. That doesn’t seem to be possible anymore.”
Abortion Perspectives Among Christians
By JC Bicek |
I was recently reading an essay by Beverly Wildung Harrison, titled “Theology and the Morality of Procreative Choice,” where, from a “Christian” perspective, Harrison defends abortion. In another article for the POINT, I noted that our advocacy team is often questioned about our engagement on certain issues.
Itinerant
By Brick Lantz, MD |
“Itinerant, adjective, traveling from one place to another, usually to work for a short period.”
Human Trafficking is Still a Horrendous Problem
By Jeffrey Barrows, DO, MA (Bioethics) |
With the media focusing primarily on the sweeping changes brought about by the Trump administration, it is easy to lose sight of underlying social evils such as human trafficking. Unfortunately, the COVID pandemic and the increasing proliferation of social media both contributed to an increase in the prevalence of human trafficking.
A Call to Compassionate Care
By Steven A. Foley, MD |
There is a growing group of individuals whom the healthcare community has largely overlooked—those who have undergone gender transition and later realized it did not resolve their underlying struggles. These individuals now seek to detransition and return to living in alignment with their natal sex.
Done Early
By Francis Nuthalapaty, MD |
I was on the verge of getting “done early” as I stepped off the elevator and into the hallway of the medical ward. I expected the scene to resemble every hospital I had walked through in the last 25 years.
We encourage you to join the conversation here on our website and share your experience, insight and expertise. CMDA has a rigorous and representative process in formulating official positions, which are largely limited to bioethical areas.
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