National Resident & Fellow Community
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:31, NIV 1984).
What is the National Resident and Fellow Community (NRFC)?
Residency is an exciting time! You're learning a lot, developing skills, working with teams, building confidence. But residency is also a difficult time. You're tired. You receive criticism from seemingly everyone, including yourself. Imposter syndrome sets in. You feel isolated. As Christians, we long for encouragement from fellow believers, particularly from those who understand the rigors of residency and can help us see Jesus in our work. That's why the NRFC exists.
The National Resident & Fellow Community (NRFC) is the section of CMDA dedicated to connecting, mentoring, and empowering those of us in post-graduate training. Spread out across the US and a few other countries as well, we are a resident and fellow-driven ministry within CMDA designed to connect, mentor and empower Christian residents and fellows to:
- Live out their faith authentically
- Influence the culture of healthcare
- Unite with other Christian residents and fellows both locally and nationally for enduring fellowship
- Shape the future of CMDA
The NRFC provides a place for Christian residents and fellows to connect to a community in your new city after graduation, network with other Christian residents and fellows from around the country, further develop your leadership skills, be mentored, share "best practices" of improving ministry to your colleagues and patients and impact the future ministry of CMDA and healthcare itself. All Christian residents and fellows are invited to be a part of the NRFC!
Frequently Asked Questions
Join the NRFC & CMDA!
Resources
Residency & Fellowship Programs
We know that finding a residency program that fits you is important. We've compiled a list of residency programs that are Christian-friendly and/or mission-minded. We consider these programs worth your consideration when you are choosing your residency. Please note: this information is subject to change. For more information, contact Campus & Community Ministries.
National Resident & Fellow Community Newsletters
Follow us at @nrfccmda
CMDA Ministries and Resources
2026 CMDA National Convention
CMDA’s National Convention is the premier Christian healthcare event that provides residents and fellows the opportunity to fellowship with other Christian professionals, learn about current health and social issues, renew your faith through worship, network with other believers and be encouraged in your healthcare journey as a Christian healthcare professional.
Participating in CMDA’s National Convention is highly recommended; however, we understand that in general residency and fellowships are some of the busiest times of life. Attending the annual meeting is where the connections to other Christian residents and fellows from across the country are made, and these connections will often last a lifetime. The biggest impact you can have with this ministry is when you are gathered together in person, so we highly encourage you to attend.
Consider presenting an academic poster at the Convention! CMDA’s VIE Poster Session is an excellent opportunity to share your research with other colleagues!
Are you wondering how to fund a trip to National Convention?
The NRFC offers residents and fellows scholarships that help cover their registration fee to attend the National Convention. There are also limited regional scholarships available to potentially cover some lodging and travel.
Also, if a resident or fellow presents a poster at the VIE Poster Session, the registration fee is automatically covered to attend the National Convention.
Exploring funding from a local CMDA ministry and/or the institution where you are working are also possibilities.
Loveland, Colorado | April 23-26, 2026
Meet Our Leadership Team
Emily Scire, MD
I grew up in Woburn, MA, Dover, NH, and Wells, ME and attended the University of Notre Dame with a BS in Biochemistry. I received my MD/Master in Bioethics from the University of Pennsylvania. During my time as a medical student, I was a member of my school's CMDA chapter and later served as the CMDA Northeast Student Representative. I am currently in my fourth year of general surgery residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA, and am serving as a representative for the National Resident and Fellow Community. My hobbies include gardening, knitting, skiing, swimming, and singing and my current career aspirations include pediatric surgery and medical missions.
Are you interested in getting involved with the National Resident and Fellow Community? Contact NRFC for more information.
Campus & Community Ministries
P.O. Box 7500 • Bristol, TN 37621 • 888-230-2637