From Zero to Fifty: A Medical Student’s Journey in Building a Thriving Chapter

March 12, 2025

Bill Reichart and guest, Kayla Grooters, 3rd year medical student from Western Michigan discuss how God can grow a student chapter simply by using student's faithful steps of obedience.

Kayla Grooters is a 3rd year medical student at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine (Wmed) and one of the Michigan Student State Representatives for CMDA. She is originally from Findlay, Ohio, and moved to west Michigan in 2018 to study microbiology and Spanish at Grand Valley State University. There, she was active on the ethics bowl team, representing her school at national contest twice, as well as serving as a leader in Cru ministries. It was through Cru that she met her husband, Andrew, who was a student at Western Michigan. She became one of the first students to utilize the WmedStart program from Grand Valley, and was accepted into the Wmed class of 2026. In between graduating undergrad and starting medical school, she served as a cross cultural worker with Greater Europe Mission in Northern Spain. Since starting at Wmed, she has been active in revitalizing the CMDA chapter, as well as helping restart the global health program. She has co-led student teams to India twice, where the school partners with a local NGO to address concerns about pediatric nutrition. Andrew and Kayla were married in June, 2023, at the start of her second year of medical school. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading, exploring local coffee shops, and playing board games with her family, friends, and church members.

WATCH ADDITIONAL PULSE PODCAST EPISODES

Feb 26 2025

Defining DEI, Racism, Segregation, Gender Affirming and More in the Body of Christ

This episode of the CMDA Student Pulse podcast features Dr. Omari Hodge, a family physician and leader in Christian medical missions, discussing navigating cultural issues like DEI and gender affirming care while upholding a Christian worldview. Dr. Hodge emphasizes the importance of understanding the language and intent behind these issues, prioritizing a relationship with Christ above all other titles, and engaging with those who hold differing views in a loving and truthful manner. He encourages healthcare professionals to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves, studying the perspectives of others and using their knowledge for the glory of God.

Feb 12 2025

Finding Resilience and Blessing Within a Medical Marriage

Bill and guests, Bryan and Sharon Stoudt, discuss the importance of preparing for marriage.

Jan 22 2025

Exploring Embodied Faith

Bill Reichart and guest, Rev. Dr. Stephen Ko, author of the latest book "Faith Embodied", discuss how we glorify God with our physical and spiritual health.

Jan 8 2025

Battling the Scourge of Human Trafficking

Bill Reichart and Ashleigh Chapman, JD discuss the reality of human trafficking and how healthcare professionals are uniquely positioned to make a difference on behalf of its victims.

Dec 16 2024

2024 Student Pulse Highlights

Thank you for being such a faithful listener or watcher to our podcast. If you have any ideas for a future podcast or subject, please reach out to our team at [email protected].

Nov 20 2024

Anatomy of Faith: A Medical Student’s Journey Out of Mormonism to Finding Christ

Indy Hanson and host, Bill Reichart discuss his journey from being LDS, born and raised, to finding Christ in an anatomy lab at medical school.

Nov 6 2024

The Key to Christian Growth and Faithful Witness within Academia

Dr. James Tour and host Bill Reichart discuss How To Stand Strong as a Christian within Academia and the one thing that James has done for over 40 years that has been the foundation of his faith and Christian growth.

Oct 23 2024

Medical Missions with a Twist

Alexis Vonzalez Antonucci, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Class of 2025, discusses her experience serving with CMDA in Cuba with our Medical Education International ministry.

Oct 9 2024

Putting Faith on Display within Healthcare

Bill and guest, Madison Kritsch, OMS 3 from Rocky Vista University, discuss how she came to medical school and how going on a CMDA GHO trip changed her.

Sep 25 2024

The Importance of Nurturing the Soul during Residency and Fellowship

Andrew Wilson, DO PGY-7, Interventional Cardiology fellow at UT-Austin, and Bill discuss the challenges of residency and fellowship and how to nurture your soul through them.

Sep 11 2024

How a CMDA Advisor Shapes Student Lives

Bill Reichart and guest Lisa Archer discuss her role as a Campus Advisor to the CMDA student chapter at AT Still Campus in Kirksville, MO.

Aug 21 2024

The Circuitous Journey of Faith

Bill Reichart and Violeta Mora, M3 at American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, discuss her route to medical school that began in Cuba and continued in the Caribbean and in the US!

Aug 7 2024

The Power of Being on Mission Together

Bill Reichart and guest Giovanna Owen discuss the amazing impact that going on a CMDA Global Health Outreach trip had on her.

Jul 24 2024

Can You Have a Non-Anxious Life?

Bill Reichart and guest Alan Fadling discuss how anxiety influences us and how we can experience the peace of God's presence.

Jul 10 2024

Walking with God is A Winding Path

Host Bill Reichart and Elise Barberis discuss the ways God has led her through a very winding path to medical school.

Jun 19 2024

Being a “Daniel” in our Day

Recent medical school graduate Caroline Wilson, MD discusses her steadfast determination to uphold the sanctity of life of all human beings from conception to natural death.

Jun 5 2024

How To Become a “Cultural Heretic”

Host Bill Reichart and Dr. Thaddeus Williams discuss his newest book, "Don't Follow Your Heart."

May 22 2024

Don’t Waste Your Suffering

Bill and Timothy, current student at Edward Via COM in Alabama, discuss his journey through cancer while in medical school and his article in JAMA that led to an unexpected phone call.

Apr 17 2024

An Essential Ministry for Women in Medicine & Dentistry

Host Bill Reichart and WPDC Chair Dr. Connie Hahn discuss the CMDA Commission WPDC (Women Physicians & Dentists in Christ) ministry, its history and impact and how it serves and supports women in medicine and dentistry.

Apr 3 2024

How To Create Spiritual Foundations That Will Carry You Through Residency

Host Bill Reichart engages in a conversation with Dr. Krista Stephenson, a CMDA Resident leader, as they discuss the process of nurturing and developing a healthly spiritual life while navigating medical school and residency. How has her involvement in CMDA influenced her life and career throughout medical school and residency. What are the ways to grow in your relationship with Christ and a healthy spiritual life throughout the demanding years of medical school and residency.