CMDA Midwest Fall Conference
Sep
25
to Sep 27

CMDA Midwest Fall Conference

  • Maranatha Conference and Retreat Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The CMDA Midwest Fall Conference will take place the weekend of September 25-27 at Maranatha Conference and Retreat Center near Muskegon, Michigan.

Up to six hours of continuing education credits are available at this year's conference. To learn more about continuing education or to register for the conference, visit our event home page.

This conference is family-friendly, with a children's program on offer during all sessions for kids 12 and under.


This year's speaker is Kristin Collier, MD, FACP, who is Clinical Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Associate Residency Program Director at the University of Michigan Medical School. Kristin will be speaking to us about Christian boldness in the 21st century.

We will also be hearing from Bob Mason, MDiv, who serves as Adjunct Faculty at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and the Family Medicine Director of Spiritual Care Training at Loma Linda University Health. Bob serves on staff with the Medical Strategic Network, a ministry of Cru. Bob will be speaking to us about the benefits of whole person care for patient outcomes, and how you can help to care for your patients' spiritual health in addition to their physical health.

Student Scholarships

Students may register at no cost and receive more than a 50 percent discount on meals and lodging for the weekend by using the promo code MWStu.

For more information about this conference, please contact Connor Ham at connor.ham@cmda.org

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First Friday October
Oct
2
6:00 PM18:00

First Friday October

Join us as we invite physicians from Lower Lights Christian Health Center to host rotating, round table discussions about living out faith in the realm of healthcare. Lower Lights Health is a multisite, faith-based federally qualified health center that exists to minister the love of Christ through whole person care to everyone in Central Ohio, especially the vulnerable and marginalized.

We will enjoy fellowship over a meal together as well as an after party for continued conversation and time hanging out together!

Please indicate that you plan to attend HERE.

Questions? Email Michael.wenig@cmda.org

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Carmen House Speaker Series: Dr. Laura Baghdassarian Murray
Oct
9
6:30 PM18:30

Carmen House Speaker Series: Dr. Laura Baghdassarian Murray

The Person of Welcome

Can We Bring Good to our World through Hospitality?

Friday, October 9, 2026: We live in a tense cultural moment. Our disagreements and differing ways of viewing the world can feel like life or death. When we sense that the stakes are raised, it is easy to be defensive and suspicious of others who are different from us. Sometimes, those who identify as Christians seem prone to stoking the flames of discord. But this kind of tension and clash of beliefs is not new to our context. In the midst of similar times of societal anxiety, Jesus Christ lived and modeled a different way, without compromising on his convictions.

Seating is limited, so please RSVP by October 8th.

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First Friday November
Nov
6
6:00 PM18:00

First Friday November

  • 1490 Grenoble Rd. Columbus, OH (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us as we gather for a night of fellowship, prayer and worship! This will be a great opportunity to meet with other students and sit at the foot of the cross and to recalibrate our hearts and minds to focus on Jesus.

We will be generously hosted at Tom (MD) and Kathryn Mendel’s house from 6-8pm. Dinner will be provided, and we will spend our time worshipping together led by fellow CMDA students.

Weather permitting, we might spend some time outside. Kids are welcome!

Questions? Email Michael.wenig@cmda.org

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Carmen House Speaker Series: Dr. Zack Eswine
Nov
20
6:30 PM18:30

Carmen House Speaker Series: Dr. Zack Eswine

What Does it Mean to be Wise?

Seeking Wisdom at the Public University

Friday, November 20, 2026: We all know that the university is meant to be a place of learning. It is meant to equip people with knowledge and skill for meaningful work.  And yet, is there more to life than having a good job? And in a world where the advancement of AI brings ever more uncertainty, is mere knowledge and skill enough? What is needed to flourish as human beings in our distracted, anxious, and contentious world? What if what we’re really looking for is wisdom? 

Seating is limited, so please RSVP by November 19th.

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CMDA Christmas Party Extravaganza
Dec
4
6:00 PM18:00

CMDA Christmas Party Extravaganza

  • 5636 Highland Lakes Avenue Westerville, OH, 43082 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Christmas is coming early, and it’s coming to Dr. Joy Walton’s house! Come enjoy the seasonal festivities as we usher in the season with a celebration including dinner, ugly Christmas sweaters galore and a white elephant gift exchange! Christmas carols around a baby grand is a staple of this holiday celebration, and you DO NOT want to miss it.

  • Please bring a side or dessert to share.

  • Bring a gift (or re-gift an old one) wrapped for a white elephant gift exchange. $5ish limit.

  • Families are welcome, and carpooling is encouraged due to limited parking

Parking Instructions

You can park along Highland Lakes inside Greystone Village or along side streets, but DO NOT park on the main road. The address is 5636 Highland Lakes Ave. Westerville, OH 43082.

Questions? Email Michael.wenig@cmda.org

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Carmen House Speaker Series: Dr. Jason Riley
Sep
11
6:30 PM18:30

Carmen House Speaker Series: Dr. Jason Riley

Considering the Bible’s relevance in society and the university

Friday, September 11, 2026: The texts that make up the Old and New Testaments were written over the span of a thousand years, by multiple authors, in multiple languages, and across a variety of places. Yet, the texts that form the sacred Scriptures for both Jews and Christians, more than two millennia after they were written, continue to hold importance for people of faith, they continue to be published and printed, continue to be referenced in public discourse, and continue to be taught in institutions of higher learning. But should they?

Seating is limited, so please RSVP by September 10th.

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CMDA Great Commission Dental Conference
Sep
11
to Sep 12

CMDA Great Commission Dental Conference

  • Dallas For Worth, TX (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join CMDA Dental Ministries and the Christian Dental Society for the third annual Great Commission Dental Conference—an incredible event created for dental professionals nationwide. Discover how your God-given skills in dentistry can be a powerful tool for sharing the love of Christ—whether in private practice, clinics, or on mission fields around the world. Be encouraged by fellow dental professionals who are committed to filling both teeth and hearts with hope. Experience how dental care can open doors for the Gospel, both at home and abroad!

Find more information, including registration, pricing and travel accommodations at the event webpage.

Questions? Email Emily.Estes@CMDA.org

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First Friday - September
Sep
4
6:30 PM18:30

First Friday - September

  • 862 Braumiller Road Delaware, OH, 43015 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join our official CMDA kickoff as we gather at Dr. Bob Hoffman’s house to enjoy a bonfire, food and games. This is a great way to meet students and physicians who are involved in CMDA. This event is open for families and kids!

Please bring a lawn chair and yard games!

Friday, Sept. 4th at 6:30pm // 862 Braumiller Rd. Delaware, OH.

Questions? Email Michael.wenig@cmda.org

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CMDA Ice Cream Social
Aug
23
7:00 PM19:00

CMDA Ice Cream Social

Join returning and new members of CMDA to kick off the year with some ice cream at Grater’s! (If you’re new to Columbus, it’s a premiere Ohio ice cream experience.). This is a family friendly event! Text Caleb @ 260-414-9882 if you have questions!

Address: 1534 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43221

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2026 CMDA Graduate Banquet
Apr
1
6:00 PM18:00

2026 CMDA Graduate Banquet

Join us as we celebrate, honor and send off graduating students! The evening will include a meal, a message from a keynote speaker, and an opportunity to hear from the graduates’ next steps in their journey.

All are welcome to honor the graduating students who have left a significant impact on the CMDA Columbus community, therefore non-graduating students are encouraged to attend and show support! Families are welcome as well!

RSVP

Please fill out THIS FORM for every person attending so we can have enough food for the gathering.

Location Details

Venue: COHatch Upper Arlington, Lookout Room

  • Enter main entrance, take stairs or elevator to second floor, then proceed to north end of building (beyond kitchen, down adjacent hallway) to Lookout Room

Questions? Email michael.wenig@cmda.org

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March First Friday
Mar
6
6:00 PM18:00

March First Friday

  • 1094 Highland Drive Columbus, OH, 43220 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us as we host a panel of healthcare professionals to hear about a variety of topics at the intersection of faith and healthcare! We will be generously hosted in the home of Mark Bernsdorf, DDS.

Dinner will be provided, and families are welcome!

Click this link to submit your own questions!

If you have questions, email michael.wenig@cmda.org

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Feb
6
5:00 PM17:00

February First Friday

  • 181 Oval Dr S Columbus, OH, 43210 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us as we attend a Columbus Faculty Roundtable on February 6th!

This evening of dinner and discussion will feature the question, “What is an integrated life?: Seeking wholeness in a fragmented world.” The evening will be hosted by Dr. Steven Garber (PhD) and Dr. Joshua Blakeslee (PhD) who will “set the table” for a time of robust conversation and discussion over dinner.

Hors d’oeuvres begin at 5pm. Dinner, short introductions to the topic, and table discussion from 6-8pm.

SPECIAL NOTE: The cost to attend is free, but RSVPs are required. The link for the RSVP is HERE.

More information about the Columbus Faculty Roundtable can be found HERE.

Questions? Email michael.wenig@cmda.org

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Jan
9
6:00 PM18:00

January First Friday

  • 3727 Romnay Road Columbus, OH, 43220 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join CMDA as we focus our attention on participating in God’s mission to bring hope and healing to the world through the unique skills, gifting and lenses of those in healthcare. We will hear from Dr. Dean Hearne about what it can look like to participate in healthcare oriented missions.

As always, anybody is welcome to come! We will discuss mission opportunities through CMDA for medical, dental and optometry students.

We will be graciously hosted by Dr. Mark and Sue Straka at their home in Upper Arlington! Their address is 3727 Romnay Rd. Columbus, OH 43220.

We will gather together from 6-8pm, and dinner will be provided! If you have questions, you can email michael.wenig@cmda.org.

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CMDA Christmas Party Extravaganza
Dec
5
6:00 PM18:00

CMDA Christmas Party Extravaganza

  • 5636 Highland Lakes Avenue Westerville, OH, 43082 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Christmas is coming early, and it’s coming to Dr. Joy Walton’s house! Come enjoy the festivities as we usher in the season with a holiday party including dinner, ugly Christmas sweaters and a white elephant gift exchange! (Start warming up your golden pipes because there might be Christmas carols…)

  • Please bring a dessert to share!

  • Bring a gift (or re-gift an old one) wrapped for a white elephant gift exchange. $5ish limit.

Families are welcome, and carpooling is encouraged due to limited parking.

You can park along Highland Lakes inside Greystone Village or along side streets, but DO NOT park on the main road. The address is 5636 Highland Lakes Ave. Westerville, OH 43082.

Westerville OH 43082

If you have questions, please reach out to Michael.wenig@cmda.org

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First Friday @ Carmen House
Nov
14
6:30 PM18:30

First Friday @ Carmen House

Join us as we partner with Carmen House, a Christian Study Center that seeks to provide a hospitable place for the OSU community to explore deep questions about the Christian faith, to hear from featured speaker Dr. Marlena Graves and the subject of Momento Mori. Through the concept of Momento Mori, Dr. Graves will explore how remembering our mortality could actually be a means to a life well-lived.

Address: COhatch Gateway, 1581 North High St. Columbus, OH 43201

Seating is limited, so reservations are required. Please visit the Carmen House website to RSVP.

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CMDA Columbus Vision Dinner
Nov
6
6:00 PM18:00

CMDA Columbus Vision Dinner

Join us for our annual dinner to fellowship, celebrate stories and snapshots of God’s work and share our vision for the future. We invite the community to partner with us as God works in healthcare professionals’ and students’ lives through CMDA Columbus!

Seated in limited, so reservations are required.

Tickets are $50 each ($100 per couple).

The dress code is business casual.

Questions? Email Michael

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Oct
3
6:00 PM18:00

First Friday // October 3rd, 2025

Join local healthcare students and practitioners as we gather for a night of fellowship and worship!

Catered Chipotle will be provided for dinner, and we will be led in worship by fellow CMDA students. There will be a time to open our hearts and minds to the Lord as well as a time for guided prayer. We will meet at Tom and Kathryn Mendel’s house from 6-8pm. Weather permitting, we might spend some time outside.

If you have questions, or would like the address, please email Michael Wenig at michael.wenig@cmda.org.

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Apr
11
6:00 PM18:00

Spring Send-Off

Join us on Friday, April 11th for our final CMDA monthly gathering of the school year, as we honor and celebrate those that will be graduating this spring.

6pm at COhatch (Upper Arlington) Lookout Room

Please take a moment and RSVP here:

RSVP
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Mar
21
6:30 PM18:30

Carmen House: Why Does Virtue Still Matter in a Secular Age?

Reflections on Aristotle and Aquinas for the 21st Century

Does character matter? What are virtues and are they relevant today? How might faith help or hinder one’s character formation?

Theologian Dr. Ben Burkholder (PhD, Duquesne) will be speaking on the topic of the relevancy of virtue ethics for today, followed by audience Q&A.

Learn more
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Midwest CMDA Winter Retreat
Jan
17
to Jan 18

Midwest CMDA Winter Retreat

  • 4545 East Bacon Road Hillsdale, MI, 49242 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Please join us January 17-18, 2025 for the CMDA Winter Retreat, a conversation with Dr. Burton and Sandy Lee on navigating and thriving in healthcare.

Healthcare providers are blessed with meaningful opportunities to make significant differences in people’s lives, as well as with financial rewards and numerous other blessings. Yet, practitioner burnout is very high, and we often do not thrive in our careers.

Burt and Sandy Lee will deliver a series of talks about the importance of balancing the four “M”s in the life of a Christ-follower: Mission, Medicine, Mates, and Money. A 24-hour, overnight retreat we hope will nurture and deepen your healthcare calling for Christ!

Learn More

Dr. Burton Lee trained in internal medicine and pulmonary critical care medicine at Harvard’s School of Public Health and Oxford University. A Christ-follower, father, husband, and physician, his academic focus has been in education and mentoring of medical students, residents, and fellows, both in the U.S. and in Sub Saharan Africa. He returned to the U.S. in 2016 to serve as a Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh before joining the National Institutes of Health in 2020, where he is currently the Head of Medical Education and the Head of Global Critical Care in the Critical Care Medicine Department.

Sandy Lee received her B.A. in English Literature and a M.Ed. in Secondary Education from UCLA, where she met her best friend/husband, Burton. She served with her family with Africa Inland Mission at the Rift Valley Academy in Kenya as a teacher and later as the College Counselor from 2010-2016. She has co-led the Women’s Program for the International Continuing Medical and Dental Education (CMDE) Conference for the past 7 years and currently serves as the Area Director for CMDA Washington, DC. She and Burt have two adult children.

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CMDA Gala with Dr. Jeffrey Barrows
Nov
7
6:00 PM18:00

CMDA Gala with Dr. Jeffrey Barrows

Save the Date for the evening of Thursday, November 7th for our annual CMDA THRIVE event and Fundraising Gala.

RSVP Here

Hear from our featured speaker, Dr. Jeffrey Barrows, about ‘Being Missional’ as well as learning how your giving can be a part of God’s mission in the field of medicine in Columbus

Also, hear about how God is at work among the different chapters of CMDA here in Columbus.

This event will be held in the event space at CoHatch on Lane Ave.



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Year-End and Graduation Celebration
Apr
12
6:00 PM18:00

Year-End and Graduation Celebration

The end of the 2023-24 academic year is upon us! It’s time to gather all of our CMDA chapters and celebrate one last time this spring over a meal, and to honor and support those graduating from our Columbus healthcare colleges. Our April gathering is for all CMDA students.

Join us on Friday, April 12th at 6pm, with a catered meal at the Antrim Park Shelter House.

REGISTER

We’ll plan to hear charges and wisdom from some Christian healthcare practitioners in Central Ohio.


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Faculty Roundtable w/ Curt Thompson, MD
Mar
22
5:30 PM17:30

Faculty Roundtable w/ Curt Thompson, MD

The Neuroscience of Suffering and Hope

In one way or another, to one degree or another, each one of us will experience suffering. Some of us might be tempted to ignore this reality, to keep suffering at bay for as long as possible. Others of us, if we are honest, are tempted to despair.

A well-known psychiatrist, Curt Thompson, is coming to Ohio State campus to give a presentation on the topic of finding hope in suffering, exploring the intersection of neuroscience and faith. This event is targeted at faculty and professors across many academic disciplines at OSU, though as a co-sponsor CMDA is glad to welcome medical professionals and students from the broader community.

Columbus Faculty Roundtables. Friday, Mar 22nd. 5:30-8pm.

The Ohio State University Faculty Club


Register

Curt Thompson, MD

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Special Equipping Event w/ Heather Holleman, PhD
Feb
9
7:00 PM19:00

Special Equipping Event w/ Heather Holleman, PhD

We live in a time where even though we are often in physical proximity to other people, we can struggle to know how to strike up real conversations, how to take actual steps toward building deeper relationships. And as Christians, there’s also the question of how do we connect with others around matters of faith.

On Friday, February 9th we have the privilege of hearing from Penn State professor, Dr. Heather Holleman, as she speaks on her book entitled “The Six Conversations: Pathways To Connection In An Age Of Isolation And Incivility”

This equipping event will be co-hosted with Cru graduate and undergraduate ministries, and will be a great time to connect with other graduate and professional students.

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