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
The NRFC is an important part of CMDA's Campus & Community Ministries. It serves as a springboard for development of future national leaders of CMDA and will offer potential participation of its members in other national CMDA roles, such as Resident Trustee to the Board of Trustees, Resident Representative to the House of Representatives or membership of various councils or committees.
While there is no time requirement to be involved in the NRFC, it is the goal of the NRFC to have regularly scheduled online meetings and interactive programs so that residents and fellows have the opportunity to grow in their understanding of what it means to be a Christ-follower in healthcare.
You are welcome to join biweekly prayer and devotional times over Zoom led by residents or guest speakers; more information is available through our WhatsApp group which provides a place for residents and fellows across the nation to meet, connect, network and encourage one another.
Complete the “Join the NRFC” form below and information about the above will be emailed to you.
NRFC meetings take place bi-weekly via Zoom on Monday evenings at 8 pm Eastern. They include prayer, fellowship, a graduate professional sharing an encouraging devotional, learning about various CMDA ministries or watching and discussing the Faith Rx videos.
The National Resident & Fellow Community is led by motivated residents and fellows who feel called to care for other residents and fellows and are inspired to steer CMDA resident/fellow ministry into the future. The Leadership Team is the decision-making body of the NRFC and is composed of CMDA Resident Representatives and the CMDA Resident Trustee along with other interested residents and fellows who are CMDA members.
While their overall role is to establish and implement the vision for the NRFC, their specific tasks vary from year to year. These tasks may include developing and leading online meetings, reaching out to fellow residents/fellows and graduating fourth year students, helping write the NRFC newsletter, as well as planning resident and fellow events at CMDA’s annual National Convention.
The Leadership Team is not meant to be exclusive, but to define who will assume the responsibility for leading this national organization. To apply for a leadership position, click on the Leadership Applications at the bottom of this page.
CMDA membership is not required to be a part of the NRFC but we highly recommend it! Because of generous donors, there is no charge for residents and fellows to be CMDA members! Join today to support a movement that educates, encourages and equips Christian healthcare professionals to glorify God!
With your CMDA membership, you will receive:
- CMDA’s quarterly magazine, CMDA Today
- Free access to the CMDA Learning Center
- Membership connections through the CMDA GO App
- The knowledge that you are part of a movement of Christians in healthcare!
Great! We're excited to have you join us! Complete the form below!
Join the NRFC & CMDA!
Resources
Follow us at @nrfccmda
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
CMDA Ministries and Resources
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.
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.
Andrew Wilson, DO
I am serving as a CMDA National Resident Representative. Currently, I am a PGY-7 Interventional Cardiology fellow at the University of Texas in Austin. I completed my medical training at Western University of Health Sciences in California and I serve in the United States Army. I joined CMDA during my fellowship training and have been incredibly blessed by its spiritual community of Christian healthcare professionals. Through CMDA, I have had opportunities to participate in both local and international medical mission trips, form lifelong friendships, and be mentored by leaders in the faith. I have a genuine passion for the NRFC’s mission to strengthen our faith during the challenges of postgraduate medical training. Outside of work, I am happily married to my wife, Alexis, who is a pediatrician and also involved with CMDA. Together, we enjoy traveling, outdoor activities, and trying new foods!
Meghan Greene, DMD
I am a current Dental General Practice Resident (GPR) at the VA hospital in Indianapolis. I am originally from Georgia but went to undergrad and dental school at the University of Louisville. In dental school I discovered CMDA and was blessed with a wonderful campus chapter. Through CMDA I have been able to meet many amazing believers and work alongside them for the glory of the Lord. I am currently a Resident Representative for CMDA, and I am truly blessed to be able to be a part of this organization.
Madison Chapman, MD
I am a PGY-4 OB-GYN at UT Health San Antonio. I went to undergrad at Michigan State University (BS) and medical school at UT Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine (MD). I am married to Savannah Chapman (Physical Therapist), and we have a daughter (Aubrey, 1.5 years old) and are expecting a son in December. I am interested in short-term medical missions and was at Tenwek Hospital (Kenya) in January. I also enjoy disc golf, lawn maintenance, cooking/grilling, and audiobooks.
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