Abstract
Dear Friends in Christ:
Early in 2009, I turned to the Baltimore Guild of the Catholic Medical Association for help in addressing the medical-ethical challenges with which you as health-care professionals are increasingly confronted. Dr. Marie-Alberte Boursiquot responded generously, and in collaboration with our Respect Life Office, we convened the first annual symposium for Catholic health-care professionals on May 9, 2009, titled “Conscience and Ethical Dilemmas in Catholic Healthcare.” Dr. Janet E. Smith, Father Michael J. McGivney Chair of Life Ethics at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit Michigan, led the discussion.
She was supported by a blue ribbon panel of presenters including: Attorney Casey Mattox, Dr. John Bruchowski (founder of Tepeyac Medical Center), and Dr. John Brehany (executive director of the Catholic Medical Association). I am delighted that this issue of The Linacre Quarterly is presenting edited versions of these outstanding presentations.
Holy Mother Church knows and understands the many challenges facing you as health-care professionals. It is my hope that by hosting this symposium annually, we can help bring the richness of Catholic moral teaching more completely into focus for the benefit of the medical profession. For more information about the annual symposium for those Catholics working in the field of medicine, visit www.archbalt.org.
In the Lord,
Most Reverend Edwin F. O'Brien, D.D. Archbishop of Baltimore