More than 550 attendees gathered at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, for the annual St. Gianna Medical Professionals Conference. The event aimed to blend health care with the concept of human dignity under the theme, “Mission-Driven Healthcare in a Profit-Driven World.”
Mary Dockter, the dean of the university’s St. Gianna School of Health Sciences, emphasized that health care is more than just a business; it’s a calling. “Every patient deserves to be treated with dignity,” she stated during her opening remarks.
This year’s conference featured discussions on various topics, such as the integration of Catholic social teachings, the impact of artificial intelligence in health care, and the importance of self-care for medical professionals. Attendees heard from several notable speakers, including Dominican Sister Mary Diana Dreger, who highlighted the idea that caring for patients is akin to serving Christ. She shared a powerful message: every patient we meet reflects the dignity of God.
In a session focused on self-care, James Link and Dr. Louise Murphy emphasized the need for medical professionals to tend to their own well-being. They discussed how burnout can affect the quality of care provided to patients, making self-care not just a priority but a necessity.
Data reveals the scale of Catholic health care in the U.S. About 645 Catholic hospitals serve nearly 90 million patients each year. This vast network makes up a significant portion of health care in America, with one in six patients receiving treatment in a Catholic facility, according to statistics from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Dr. Dominique J. Monlezun, an expert in AI ethics, raised concerns about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in health care. He pointed out that many systems are designed primarily for profit, not patient well-being. “Most AI experts fear it will lack ethical guidelines over the next decade,” he warned.
In another insightful remark, Caroline Aragón, a genetic counselor, discussed the importance of viewing patients as more than just their genetic information. She emphasized the use of genetic testing to uphold human dignity and enhance lives rather than reduce individuals to their DNA.
Dr. Ashley K. Fernandes shared his experience in pediatrics, reflecting on the challenges of time constraints in patient care. He noted, “Even with limited time, you can still make a difference in a patient’s life,” recognizing the intrinsic value of compassionate care.
Overall, the conference served as a reminder of the vital blend of compassion and ethics in health care. Attendees left inspired to uphold the dignity of every person they encounter, reinforcing the belief that health care must be a mission grounded in respect for human life.
Source link
