Mission: To equip healthcare trainees and professionals with community, mentorship, and spiritual support to serve patients with compassion and sustain a balanced life.
Scope: Serving students, residents, and career healthcare professionals across Western New York through mentorship, community-building, and professional development.
Purpose: To reduce burnout, restore purpose in medicine, and develop a resilient workforce committed to serving underserved communities.
Where we are involved
Schools & Campuses
University at Buffalo
Our student ministry operations are with the medical students at Jacob's School of Medicine (University at Buffalo). We engage with students through weekly bible studies (Refresh) and monthly events with speakers (Thrive). We aim to create an environment that fosters community while giving them opportunities to network with other processionals and connect deeper in their faith with Jesus Christ.
Our focus
Healthcare professionals enter their training with a strong desire to serve others, yet many experience burnout, isolation, and loss of purpose along the way. CMDA of Western New York meets them at this critical point; providing consistent community, mentorship, and spiritual support that helps them stay grounded, resilient, and connected to their original calling. By investing in healthcare trainees and professionals well into their careers, this ministry strengthens not only individuals, but the entire healthcare system they will go on to serve.
A gift to CMDA of WNY is an investment in a healthier, more compassionate workforce. Through mentorship networks, community gatherings, and purpose-driven formation, participants are equipped to navigate the pressures of medicine, maintain their sense of meaning, and deepen their relationship with Christ. The result is lasting impact: reduced burnout, stronger retention, and healthcare professionals who are committed to caring for both their patients and their communities.
We would love to hear from you.
Our Leadership:
Samuel Gerardi is an emergency medicine pharmacist at Buffalo General Medical Center in Buffalo, NY. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from D'Youville University in Buffalo and completed his post graduate residency training at Buffalo General Medical Center. In September 2025, Sam stepped into the role as Area Director for CMDA of WNY.
In addition, Sam regularly leads educational in-services for medical residents, mentors student pharmacists, and delivers guest lectures at the University at Buffalo’s School of Pharmacy. Over the last few years, Sam has been involved with Global Mission’s work, serving alongside medical students, nurses, and pharmacy students in various countries with short-term medical trips. Before pursuing graduate studies, Sam worked in urban ministry, collaborating with numerous non-profit organizations to support marginalized communities.
Sam enjoys spending his free time volunteering alongside Christian pastors and leaders in Buffalo developing service projects for the city. Sam’s hobbies include mountain biking, traveling, weightlifting, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and finding the best cup of coffee in Buffalo (still looking…).
Chapter Contact Information
Western New York
514 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14202
(518) 698-1554
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