Shows
the CMF podcastServant leadership for Christians in the NHSIn conversation with Steve Fouch (CMF Head of Communications) at the 2025 CMF Resident Doctors Conference, Dr Paula Busuulwa and Prof. Paul Johnson explore what it means to lead as a Christian health professional in the NHS. CMF has a network of Christians in non-clinical and clinical leadership across the UK's National Health Services and other healthcare sectors. It holds regular online and occasional in-person meetings around the UK, seminars, training programmes and peer support meetings. If you are interested in finding out more, go to: https://cmf.li/CHLNSupport the show
2025-12-2449 minthe CMF podcastWorking with Physician Assistants | Resident Doctors Conference 2025In the fourth recording from this year's CMF Resident Doctors' Conference in November, Steve Fouch and Dr Mercy Doni-Kwame discuss Physician Assistants, a group of health professionals who have become increasingly controversial in the UK in recent years. Mercy has a strong background of training and working with Physician Assistants, and brings both a professional engagement and a godly perspective to bear on the issues and the people affected. If you are a Physician or Anaesthesia Assistant, you can now join CMF as an Associate Member - go to cmf.org.uk/join/ for more information.
2025-12-1031 minthe CMF podcastAssisted suicide - plenary session | Resident Doctors Conference 2025In the past year, politicians in Westminster and Holyrood have taken active steps towards implementing assisted suicide laws in the UK. In the plenary from this year's CMF Resident Doctors Conference, Dr Susan Marriott (CMF's Head of Public Policy) surveys the political landscape and considers what the coming years could hold. How, she asks, can Christian resident doctors and other Christian health professionals shine for Christ as this debate unfolds and into whatever lies ahead?She is joined in a Q&A session by CMF CEO Dr Mark Pickering and the main speaker at this year's conference...
2025-11-261h 18the CMF podcastAssisted suicide updateWelcome to the relaunched CMF podcast. This is a special, extra episode giving an update on what is happening with the two assisted suicide bills for terminally ill adults that are going through the UK and Scottish Parliaments this month (May 2025), with both having hearings, and probably votes, in the week of 12 May.Steve Fouch (CMF Head of Communications), Dr Susan Marriott (CMF Head of Public Policy and a GP), and Dr David Randall (Renal Medicine Consultant) discuss the bills, the next steps in the legislative process, and the very real concerns these bills raise for patients...
2025-05-0943 min
the CMF podcastWomanhood Podcast Episode 5: Reproductive Lack and LossIn this episode, we touch on the painful topics of infertility, miscarriage, and stillbirth—experiences of profound grief and suffering. How do we face them as Christians? What hope does Jesus offer in both reproductive loss and lack?Resources:Please note that listing these resources does not imply full agreement with all their content; they are provided for reference https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/miscarriage/ Healthcare ResourcesNICE Infertility DefinitionNHS Miscarriage InformationTommy’s Miscarriage StatisticsTommy’s Stillbirth InformationBooksWhen Expecting Doesn’t Happen: Turning Infertili...
2025-03-2635 min
the CMF podcastWomanhood Podcast Ep 3 | ContraceptionWe all think we understand contraception, but it raises a lot of questions. Howe each kind of contraception works raises many questions - about how it affects the role of sex in our relationships, how it affects family life, and the ethical questions it can raise. In this episode, Drs Ruth Petkovic and Felicia Wong look at the science, the ethics, and the biblical issues.Resources:CMF file 66 - contraceptionCMF book on contraceptionAAPLOG file on contraception https://choicescommunity.com/blog/how-do-contraceptives-work The meaning of marriage by Tim and Kathy Keller (book)Dr John Bergsma w...
2024-12-1333 min
the CMF podcastFinger on the Pulse | Series 2, episode 1 - Assisted DyingBen and Sally return to the podcast to discuss the recent Assisted Dying Bill introduced to the House of Commons by Kim Leadbeater MP. What are the main moral arguments at play? And how can we, as Christian healthcare professionals, respond well?Please note: The second reading of the Leabdeater Bill is 29 November 2024, not 15 November, as said in this podcast.The Finger on the Pulse podcast will also be available on its own subscription at https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2418716/website/background/editResources:Public perspectives...
2024-10-3054 min
the CMF podcastWe are a Multitude of Voices | Episode 1 | Onahi's story: unique opportunities to connect with patientsOur hope is that we might highlight the diversity of voices represented across our growing Christian nursing and midwifery fellowship in the British Isles, which we have begun by recording some soundbites from our black nurse and midwifery members. But we want to add more stories to this collection in the future, including those from other ethnic minority members.We’re aware that listening to these soundbites is likely to evoke a range of emotions in both our black and other ethnic minority members, as well as in our white members. However, as a fellowship, we don’t sh...
2024-10-1506 min
the CMF podcastIdol comments | CMF National Conference '24In the final talk of the CMF National Conference, Dan Strange covers the theme 'Idol comments'. Listen now!Support the show
2024-08-2049 min
the CMF podcastSurviving and thriving in the workplace | CMF National Conference '24Amidst today's cultural landscape, how can Christian healthcare professionals effectively address workplace challenges while being a blessing to those around us? What defines success in the eyes of God?Join us in this plenary session as John Drew (Director of Staff Experience and Engagement at NHS England) shares personal insights, draws wisdom from Scripture, and integrates these with findings from staff surveys. Together, we will explore how to survive and thrive as God's ambassadors in healthcare. And how we do we do this with kindness and consistency amidst the inevitable tensions we face in healthcare leadership, and...
2024-08-1949 min
the CMF podcastIdentity: his and ours | CMF National Conference '24In the second talk of CMF National Conference 2024, Dan Strange takes us through Isaiah 41 and the theme of 'Identity: his and ours'. Listen now!Support the show
2024-08-1641 min
the CMF podcastThe Great Big God | CMF National Conference '24In the first talk of CMF National Conference 2024, Dan Strange takes us through Isaiah 40 and the theme of 'The Great Big God'. Listen now!Support the show
2024-08-1548 min
the CMF podcastHomebound Truth | CMF Juniors' Conference '23In his final talk at CMF Juniors' Conference, Matt Lillicrap speaks of 'Homebound Truth' inspired by John 14.Support the show
2024-03-2931 min
the CMF podcastPersonal Truth | CMF Juniors' Conference '23In the first talk from CMF's Juniors' Conference, main speaker Matt Lillicrap takes us through John 1 and explores the theme of 'personal truth'.Support the show
2024-03-2834 min
the CMF podcastBeing Confident about the Future | CMF Seniors' Conference '23In the third and final talk, Jonathan Lamb explores how Jesus' resurrection gives us a confident hope, a hope that can empower us in the now.Support the show
2024-03-2727 min
the CMF podcastCommitted to the Present | CMF Seniors' Conference '23Jonathan Lamb continues to take us through Psalm 71. In this talk, he explores why it's important to invest in the next generation and also delves in to the beautiful truth of our inner renewal as we age.Support the show
2024-03-2631 min
the CMF podcastBeing Grateful for the Past | CMF Seniors' Conference '23In the first talk of the CMF Seniors' Conference, our main speaker Jonathan Lamb explores the faithfulness of God and being grateful for the past. He is the God of all our days.Support the show
2024-03-2535 min
the CMF podcastOne idol to rule them all! | CMF Student Conference 24In Amy's final talk of Student Conference 2024, she explores how King Nebuchadnezzar's one golden image was symbolic of all the idols, values, beliefs, and culture of Babylon. God's people were being told to privatise their worship of the God of the Bible, whilst publicly affirming the ideology of the empire. Have a listen!Support the show
2024-03-1449 min
the CMF podcastWhen the empire renames you | CMF Student Conference 24Amy Orr Ewing continues to take us on a journey through the book of Daniel. Amy explores how the King Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylonian empire challenged the identity of God's people, and how intimidation was a key tactic. Listen in to the third talk from CMF's Student Conference 2024!Support the show
2024-03-1345 min
the CMF podcastTactics of the enemy | CMF Student Conference 24In day two of CMF's Student Conference 2024, main speaker Amy explores the book of Daniel. What are the tactics deployed by the powerful Babylonian empire? How can we recognise similar tactics in our current context and resist the enemy's influence? Listen now!Support the show
2024-03-1142 min
the CMF podcastMeeting the Taliban | CMF Student Conference 24On night one of CMF's Student Conference 2024, main speaker Amy Orr-Ewing shares powerful testimonies of how her atheist parents became church planters, how she overcame her own faith being challenged at university, and that time when she met the Taliban! 'That is our God, He can move the mountains. He can soften the hardest of hearts.'Listen now!Support the show
2024-03-0735 min
the CMF podcastFinger on the Pulse | 9: Faith and Hope in UkraineIn the season finale episode of 'Finger on the Pulse', Ben chats with the Medical Director of Ukraine Medical Outreach, Dr Jim Peipon, about life, faith, and medicine in Ukraine, a year and a half on from Russia's invasion of the country. What is it like living, practising medicine, and following Jesus in the midst of war?References Ukraine Medical Outreach ukrainemedicaloutreach.orgChristian Medical Association of Ukraine www.cma-ukraine.comICMDA Ukraine Appealicmda.net/ukraineappealYou can also read more about the work of the Christian Medical Association of Ukraine in...
2023-09-2030 min
the CMF podcastJunior Doctor Foundations - extra! Facing Failure'…So take a good look in the mirror and tell me who you see, the one who Jesus died for or the one you'd rather be? Can you find it in your heart to show mercy to the one the Father loved so much that he gave his only son?' – lyrics from ‘The Golden Boy and The Prodigal’ by Jason Gray.As humans, at times failure is inevitable, but as doctors, the possible consequences of our failure can be fatal. We look to combine Biblical principles with practical recommendations as we explore what it means...
2023-09-1343 minthe CMF podcastDr Nancy Pearcey - The Toxic War on MasculinityDr Nancy Pearcey, author of the seminal Love Thy Body, gave us some time in July to talk about her new book The Toxic War on Masculinity. Our culture seems not to know what to do with men. It assumes they are entitled, privileged, and at the top of the pile, but the evidence from social sciences suggests the picture is not so clear cut. Men die younger, have poorer health, physically and mentally, and are more likely to die at their own hands or at the hands of other men, than are women. In a wide-ranging discussion we l...
2023-08-3047 min
the CMF podcastSinging of our salvationWhen Jesus faced hostility and struggle, it was to the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-122) that he turned.In the final talk of CMF's National Conference 2023, Jason Roach delves into Psalm 122 and the theme of 'Singing of our salvation'.Support the show
2023-08-2044 min
the CMF podcastResting in his protectionWhen Jesus faced hostility and struggle, it was to the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-122) that he turned.In the second talk of CMF's National Conference 2023, Jason Roach delves into Psalm 121 and the theme of 'Resting in his protection'.Support the show
2023-08-1936 min
the CMF podcastCrying out in our distressWhen Jesus faced hostility and struggle, it was to the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-122) that he turned.In the first talk of CMF's National Conference 2023, Jason Roach delves into Psalm 120 and the theme of 'Crying out in our distress'.Support the show
2023-08-1830 min
the CMF podcastGospel priorities: Jesus seeks and saves the lost | CMF Student Conference 2023, talk 3This year's theme for CMF's Student Conference was 'Walk It, Talk It'.In his final talk, main speaker Giles Cattermole covers gospel priorities.Support the show
2023-08-1738 min
the CMF podcastGrace: Jesus makes the impossible possible | CMF Student Conference 2023, talk 2This year's theme for CMF's Student Conference was 'Walk It, Talk It'.In his second talk, main speaker Giles Cattermole covers the topic of grace and how Jesus makes the impossible possible.Support the showSupport the show
2023-08-1636 min
the CMF podcastGod’s Kingdom perspective | CMF Student Conference 2023, talk 1This year's theme for CMF's Student Conference was 'Walk It, Talk It'.In his first talk, main speaker Giles Cattermole covers 'God's Kingdom perspective.Support the show
2023-08-1534 min
the CMF podcastGreat salvation | CMF Student Conference 2023, intro talkThis year's theme for CMF's Student Conference was 'Walk It, Talk It'.In his intro talk, main speaker Giles Cattermole covers 'Great salvation'.Support the show
2023-08-1412 min
the CMF podcastFinger on the Pulse | 4: AI, Deepfakes, and our New RealityWith AI hitting the headlines on a daily basis, Sally and Ben tackle the topic of deepfakes and their consequences on human connection. How will we be able to tell the difference between truth and fiction from this moment onwards and why does this matter? ReferencesSimon Cowell Sings on Stage: America’s Got Talent 2022 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPU0WNUzsBo SAG strike: Why Hollywood actors have walked off set https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-66208226 Martin Lewis says deepfake scam of him is 'frightening' https://www.bbc...
2023-07-2646 min
the CMF podcastJunior Doctor Foundations - extra! Managing Money'Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.' 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV). Compared to many ot...
2023-07-1942 min
the CMF podcastJunior Doctor Foundations - extra! Sabbath Rest'Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest...' Matthew 11:28, The MessageHow can we find rest in God as trainee doctors?What could that look like amongst chaotic shift patterns, study, and juggling church and family responsibilities?This stand-alone episode of the Junior Doctor Foundations podcast series focuses on the Sabbath. Why do we need a Sabbath rest, why can it be hard to achieve, and what h...
2023-07-0534 min
the CMF podcastFinger on the Pulse | Episode 2: Jailed for an Abortion?'Finger on the Pulse' is a new 1st incision series which aims to explore current affairs and contemporary issues related to medicine, the NHS and ethics, discussing them from a Christian perspective. In this episode, we reflect on the recent sentencing of Carla Foster for a late-term, home abortion and discuss current abortion practices and beginning-of-life ethics. RCOG Guidelines on Abortion Care: rcog.org.uk/guidance/browse-all-guidance/best-practice-papers/best-practice-in-abortion-care-best-practice-paper/ Wegienka, G. and Baird, D. D. (2005) ‘A comparison of recalled date of last menstrual period with prospectively recorded dates’, Journal of Women’s Health, 14(3), pp. 248–252. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2005.14.248.The King v...
2023-06-2843 min
the CMF podcastFinger on the Pulse | Episode 1: Love Island, Body Image, and Loving Thy BodyToday we start our brand new series 'Finger on the Pulse', which aims to explore current affairs and contemporary issues related to medicine, the NHS, and ethics, and discuss them from a Christian perspective. Last week saw the start of the new series of Love Island, and so Sally and Ben discuss issues raised by the show, particularly around body image and how we should relate to our bodies. Resources:"Mental Health Foundation criticises new series of Love Island as it releases new statistics about body image and reality TV", M...
2023-06-1440 min
the CMF podcastCHLN podcast – episode 6: Dr Chimwemwe KalumbiThis is a mini-series focussing on healthcare leadership. In this series of interviews, we want to share what it looks like to be a Christian leading in the healthcare arena and so we hope you will find this a helpful and inspiring series. Today we’re delighted to hear from Dr Chimwemwe Kalumbi, an Obstetrician & Gynaecologist in Surrey. Chim is Early Pregnancy Consultant Lead and Divisional Lead for Woman and Children’s Health and is Clinical Lead for Quality and Safety. She is President of the Christian Healthcare Professionals Network and is president and founder of a...
2023-06-0926 min
the CMF podcastCHLN podcast – episode 5: Eugenia LeeIn this episode of the Christians in Healthcare Leadership Network (CHLN) podcast, John catches up with Dr Eugenia Lee.Eugenia is a GP in South East London with a portfolio career in management, education and commissioning. She has worked with the local, regional and national bodies such as the CCG, Health Education England, Healthy London Partnership, and NICE. For more information about CHLN, visit: https://cmf.li/CHLNSupport the show
2023-05-2627 min
the CMF podcastJunior Doctor Foundations: Countercultural MissionWelcome to the sixth and final episode in this new mini-series, Junior Doctor Foundations, released as part of CMF’s 1st incision podcast. This mini-series of six episodes focuses on thriving as a Christian junior doctor living and working in a culture described as a ‘Digital Babylon’. Life in the twenty-first century is accelerated and more complex than ever before. As Christians, especially junior doctors, it can feel like we are exiles living in a culture hostile to our faith. So how might we keep running the race of faith despite all the challenges? Today...
2023-05-1932 min
the CMF podcastCHLN podcast – episode 4: Chris HolcombeChris Holcombe is Consultant Breast Surgeon in Liverpool and currently Associate Medical Director for Clinical Effectiveness and President of the Association of Breast Surgery. He has done various leadership roles locally, regionally, and nationally over the years and spent three years working in Africa. His passion is to 'take his ordinary life - his sleeping, eating, going to work, and walking around life - and place it before God (Romans 12.1, Message) and to ask for God's wisdom and grace while doing it, with the aim of embedding Kingdom values in the workplace, and hopefully making...
2023-05-1235 min
the CMF podcastCHLN podcast – episode 3: Catriona WaittCatriona Waitt is a Professor of Clinical Pharmacology and Global Health at the University of Liverpool. She works primarily at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Uganda. She leads a team investigating drug dosing, safety and effectiveness in complex populations such as pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and their infants. She leads several large multinational projects. Catriona is motivated by the words in Micah 6:8: 'He has shown you O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God...
2023-04-2828 min
the CMF podcastJunior Doctor Foundations – episode 5: Vocational DiscipleshipWelcome to the fifth episode in this new mini-series, Junior Doctor Foundations, Your host is Lizzy Kennedy (a junior doctor based in Devon); she is joined by Felicia Wong (GP and CMF Head of Doctor’s Ministries), and guest speaker Sue Holcombe (Advanced Nurse Practitioner and CMF’s Associate for Whole Life Faith).This podcast series is inspired by the book Faith for Exiles. Written by members of the Barna Research Group who have interviewed around 100,000 young adults, it focuses on what we can learn from the practices of those young people who have...
2023-04-2134 min
the CMF podcastCHLN podcast – episode 2: Gubby AyidaGubby Ayida is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust(CWFT). She is currently seconded as the Medical Director at Hillingdon Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. With a strong background in NHS management and clinical leadership, Gubby is involved with NHS transformation work and Integrated Care Working both place-based and across the sector. She has effectively led change management during a merger of two acute hospitals. Gubby is Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trust's Special Advisor to the Trust Board on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, a role taken up just b...
2023-04-1437 min
the CMF podcastCHLN podcast – episode 1: Mark PickeringIn our first episode of the Christians in Healthcare Leadership Network (CHLN) mini-series, we present a talk given by Dr Mark Pickering at the CHLN conference 'Serving Not Sinking'. Dr Mark Pickering has been CMF Chief Executive since 2019. Prior to that he has been a CMF Board member and was Head of Student Ministries in the 2000s. After GP training, Mark gravitated into secure environment medicine, working as a GP in prisons and secure psychiatric units. He has been a regional lead GP for two large UK offender healthcare providers. He continues a s...
2023-03-3128 minthe CMF podcastJunior Doctors' StrikesIn today's extra podcast, guest presenters Sally Barker and Benjamin Chang discuss Monday's vote for strike action by junior doctors in England and Wales. As waves of industrial action in many sectors sweep the nation, Sally and Ben discuss whether Christians should ever strike over pay and conditions, let alone those in responsible roles such as junior doctors? Is there an issue of justice here, and if so, for whom? And whether we decide to strike or not to strike, what will be the consequences? This is an issue that has come up repeatedly over the last f...
2023-02-2442 min
the CMF podcastJunior Doctor Foundations – episode 4: Isolation & forming Christian relationshipsWelcome to the fourth episode in this new mini-series, Junior Doctor Foundations, released as part of CMF’s 1st incision podcast.This mini-series comprises six episodes focusing on how to thrive as a Christian junior doctor living and working in a culture described as a ‘Digital Babylon’. Life in the twenty-first century is accelerated and more complex than ever before. As Christians, especially junior doctors, it can feel like we are exiles living in a culture hostile to our faith. So how might we keep running the race of faith despite all the challenges?Today we are...
2023-02-1730 min
the CMF podcastJunior Doctor Foundations - episode 3: Navigating culture and engaging with social mediaWelcome to the third episode in this new mini-series, Junior Doctor Foundations, released as part of CMF’s 1st incision podcast. We kick-start this mini-series with six episodes focusing on how to thrive as a Christian junior doctor living and working in a culture described as a ‘Digital Babylon’. Life in the twenty-first century is accelerated and more complex than ever before. As Christians, especially junior doctors, it can feel like we are exiles living in a culture hostile to our faith. So how might we keep running the race of faith despite all the challenge...
2023-01-2743 min
the CMF podcastBeing truly yourself - CMF Junior Doctors' Conference 2022 - talk 3Who am I? Why am I here? These are among the most important questions we shall ever ask, and our culture thinks it has the answers: 'just look inside yourself' or 'you be you!'. It sounds good but does it work? At CMF's Junior Doctor's Conference in November 2022, Glyn Harrison, emeritus professor of Psychiatry at the University of Bristol, looked at what the Scriptures say about identity.This is the last of Glynn's three talks from the conference, which we shall be sharing on the 1st incision podcast over the Christmas season. 1st incision...
2022-12-3050 min
the CMF podcastLike father, like son - CMF Junior Doctors' Conference 2022 - talk 2Who am I? Why am I here? These are among the most important questions we shall ever ask, and our culture thinks it has the answers: 'just look inside yourself' or 'you be you!'. It sounds good but does it work? At CMF's Junior Doctor's Conference in November 2022, Glyn Harrison, emeritus professor of Psychiatry at the University of Bristol, looked at what the Scriptures say about identity.This is the second of Glynn's three talks from the conference, which we shall be sharing on the 1st incision podcast over the Christmas season. ...
2022-12-2341 min
the CMF podcastJunior Doctors Foundations - episode 2: IdentityWelcome to the second episode in this new mini-series, Junior Doctor Foundations, released as part of CMF’s 1st incision podcast. We kick-start this mini-series with six episodes focusing on how to thrive as a Christian junior doctor living and working in a culture described as a ‘Digital Babylon’. Life in the twenty-first century is accelerated and more complex than ever before. As Christians, especially junior doctors, it can feel like we are exiles living in a culture hostile to our faith. So how might we keep running the race of faith despite all the challenges?
2022-12-2138 min
the CMF podcastSpitting image - CMF Junior Doctors' Conference 2022, talk 1Who am I? Why am I here? These are among the most important questions we shall ever ask, and our culture thinks it has the answers: 'just look inside yourself' or 'you be you!'. It sounds good but does it work? At last month's Junior Doctor's Conference, Glyn Harrison, emeritus professor of Psychiatry at the University of Bristol, looks at what the Scriptures say about identity.This is the first of Glynn's three talks from the conference, which we shall be sharing on the 1st incision podcast over the Christmas season. You...
2022-12-1641 min
the CMF podcastJunior Doctor Foundations - Episode 1: IntroductionWelcome to this new mini-series of CMF’s 1st incision podcast, Junior Doctor Foundations. We kick-start this mini-series with six episodes focusing on how to thrive as a Christian junior doctor living and working in a culture described as a ‘Digital Babylon’. Life in the twenty-first century is accelerated and more complex than ever before. As Christians, especially junior doctors, it can feel like we are exiles living in a culture hostile to our faith. So how might we keep running the race of faith despite all the challenges? This podcast series i...
2022-11-1124 minthe CMF podcastJoy and the grace of GodIn his third and final talk for the 2022 CMF National Conference, Steve Midgley looks at what Paul says about being joyful in the midst of life's struggles.You can watch this and other talks from the 2022 CMF National Conference on the Official CMF TV YouTube channel.Support the show
2022-05-2738 minthe CMF podcastAnger and the glory of GodIn his second talk at the CMF National Conference in April 2022, Steve Midgley looks at Romans12:17-21 and what Paul tells us about dealing with anger, especially when things don't go our way.You can watch this and other talks from the 2022 CMF National Conference on the Official CMF TV YouTube channel.Support the show
2022-05-2040 minthe CMF podcastAnxiety and the fatherhood of GodIn a period of exceptional change, it is easy to feel disorientated. Usual ways of thinking don't seem to fit. Normal patterns of behaviour seem inappropriate. It can be unsettling. Of course, the way we each react to new situations will vary. Some feel fearful and anxious, while others get irritated and angry. But is there a gospel way to navigate our challenging world and deal with troubling emotions?In the first talk for the 2022 CMF National Conference, Steve Midgley looks at Jesus' command 'Do not worry' in Luke 12:22-34, and asks how we apply that in...
2022-05-1333 minthe CMF podcastEthics, medicine, and the Christian faithIn this episode, Steve Fouch chats with Paul Coulter and Giles Cattermole, two doctors who have recently had books published by CMF. Both books look at the difference Christian faith makes in everyday life and everyday clinical practice. Giles' book 'Whatever' explores a cross-centred approach to ethics, while Paul's book, 'Serving Two Masters?' looks at how science, medicine, and faith intersect and add to each other rather than being in conflict. In a wide-ranging conversation, they look at the importance of worldview and building strong faith foundations.Both books are available from the CMF Bookstore -
2022-03-1841 minthe CMF podcastIntroducing the new Chair of Christian Medical FellowshipIn our second episode of 2022, we're introducing the new Chair of CMF, Euan McRorie. We don't often talk about what we do at Christian Medical Fellowship on this podcast, nor a lot about the people behind the fellowship, so in this episode, I'll be chatting to Euan a bit about who he is, what his role as Chair means, and why he is excited about taking it on at this time.You can find out more about CMF at www.cmf.org.ukAnd you can read some of our blogs on current...
2022-02-1816 minthe CMF podcastVaccine MandatesIn our first episode of 2022, we're looking once again at Covid vaccines. On 31 January 2022, the British Government announced that it was suspending its policy of mandatory Covid vaccinations for all health and social care staff in England. Various professional bodies, from the Royal College of Nursing to the Royal College of GPs, had opposed this. CMF's Associate CEO, Dr John Greenall, launched an open letter in January to the Secretary of State for Health, Sajid Javid, asking for a pause and rethink. But not everyone agrees, and there has been debate among CMF members who take a variety of...
2022-02-0446 minthe CMF podcastWhole life faithLeave your faith at the door. Don't bring your God to work. Religion is a private matter. We've all heard things similar to this, and maybe we've thought them ourselves. In the modern world, faith is not something that seems to have a natural space in the workplace or the public square. There is a definite sacred/secular divide in public thought, and, if we are honest, in much of the church.CMF has always been committed to what we call 'whole life faith', and at the heart of our mission is our strapline 'uniting and equipping...
2021-12-1029 minthe CMF podcastAssisted Suicide & Euthanasia Welcome to the first episode in the latest series of CMF's ist incision podcast. We've been away for quite a few months, but there is a lot to talk about, and we start with an issue that remains at the top of the news.Every few weeks we see another headline about assisted suicide. Someone with a serious illness has been to Zurich to die at the Dignitas clinic, complaining that they should be able to choose when and how they die in the UK, but the law won't allow it. Polls show that the majority of t...
2021-11-2654 min
Monday Meditations with CMF CUROMeditation for Monday, August 30th, 2021CMF CURO's Michael Vacca narrates today's podcast meditation for Monday, August 30th.
2021-08-3002 minthe CMF podcastFreedom of conscienceAs medical technology advances and the values at the heart of our society change, health professionals can often find their own values clashing with the demands of clinical specialties and employers. Whether that is being involved with abortions, new fertility technologies, or end of life care decisions, we may all, regardless of faith or other beliefs and values, find ourselves asking 'should I really be doing this?'Freedom of conscience has long been a cherished value in our culture and our health professions, but it is increasingly coming under attack. We are told we should do...
2021-07-0939 minthe CMF podcastHealthcare for refugees and asylum seekersThe treatment of people fleeing war, persecution and poverty has had a lot of coverage in the news and has been a major issue in referendums and elections in the UK and other nations for many years. Is this an issue that should concern us, both as Christians and health professionals? What are the issues, and how do we address them? In this episode, Steve Fouch will be talking with Dr Becky McFarlane about her work in providing healthcare to refugees and asylum seekers in Glasgow.Becky and Steve refer to several resources th...
2021-06-2531 minthe CMF podcastA Whole Life Disciple: A bigger gospel?Over the last three weeks, 1st incision has presented the main talks from the 2021 CMF National Conference on 24 April. In last week's episode, Mark Greene of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity looked at how we can live as a whole-life disciples of Jesus, shaping the culture in the everyday world. In this, the final talk in the series, he asks why we so often think that what we do in our homes, workplaces, at the school gate, and in our neighbourhood does not matter to God? Why do we have a hierarchy of what counts 'spiritual' wo...
2021-05-2830 minthe CMF podcastA Whole-Life Disciple: shaping a culture in the moment In this week's episode from the 2021 CMF National Conference on 24 April, Mark Green of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity looks at how a whole life Christian discipleship may shape our life and practice in the every day. Looking at the story of Ruth (particularly chapter 2, v1-16), he explores how faithfulness to Christ leads us to simple steps and outworking Christlike values in our daily interactions. You learn more about the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity at licc.org.ukSupport the show
2021-05-2129 minthe CMF podcastA Whole-Life Disciple: sharing life under pressureOver the next three weeks, 1st incision will be presenting the main talks from the 2021 CMF National Conference on 24 April. Last week's episode was the plenary address by Florence Muindi. This week, drawing from Acts 27, in the first of his talks, Mark Greene of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, looks at how our discipleship in Christ can have a very concrete impact on how we deal with crises and challenges in the real world.You learn more about the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity at licc.org.ukSupport the show
2021-05-1429 minthe CMF podcastFor such a time as thisAt this year's CMF National Conference on 24 April, Florence Muindi of Life in Abundance International, based in Kenya, gave the plenary address. Looking at the past year, she explores how the church and the Christian medical community has, along with the rest of the world, been in a disaster response mode as the COVID-19 pandemic has affected every nation. Her inspiring address looks at what God is saying to us through this difficult time and at the challenges and opportunities for God's Kingdom that faces us globally.Support the show
2021-05-0727 minthe CMF podcastVaccine hesitancyVaccines are very much in the news at the moment, but they have been around for over a hundred and fifty years. They may have done more to transform health than any other single measure other than access to clean water during that time. Yet there has always been a suspicion in part of the population that vaccines are not a good thing, varying from concern and hesitancy to outright opposition. And very often Christians have been at the forefront of this opposition. Why is that? What are the causes of vaccine hesitancy and scepticism, how have they manifested...
2021-04-0929 min2021-03-2902 minthe CMF podcastHuman dignityWe all like to feel that we are seen as being of worth and value to others - that we are appreciated and treated with dignity and consideration. In medical literature and the social sciences, the idea of human dignity has become very prominent. But what actually is 'dignity' - what determines if someone has dignity or not. Is dignity innate, or a something that is given. And if it is given, can it be taken away, and by whom and in what circumstances? Today we are talking with Jennie Pollock, author, thinker and CMF's Associate Head o...
2021-01-0822 minthe CMF podcastCOVID VaccinesIn the last few weeks, we have been hearing some exciting news about vaccines for COVID-19, with at least three showing signs of being very effective at preventing infection and one now licensed for use here in the UK. Could this be the 'magic bullet' that will take us out of the COVID crisis? But is there another side to the story? Will everyone have access to a vaccine, and will all of those who have the chance actually take it? And are there ethical questions in how these vaccines have been produced? A lot of...
2020-12-1129 minthe CMF podcastThe Year of the Nurse and the MidwifeThis year, 2020, has been designated by the World Health Organization as the 'Year of the Nurse and the Midwife'. Nursing and midwifery are the backbones of most healthcare systems around the world, yet when surveyed they often seem a demoralised and undervalued part of most health services. On top of that, 2020 has been the year of COVID-19, and maybe, as a result, we have all seen a lot more of what nursing, in particular, is all about.In this episode, we talk with Georgie Coster, CMF's Associate Head of Nursing & Midwifery Ministries, about the Year of the N...
2020-11-2729 minthe CMF podcastClimate change and healthDespite everything else in the headlines at the moment, climate change is still one of the biggest stories. It is a subject that evokes strong feelings. Many argue that there is no climate change and it is a grand hoax and a conspiracy; others claim it is a natural phenomenon and nothing to do with human activity, while others point out that the science is incontrovertible. Often this debate generates more heat than light.But often obscured by the debates is the worrying and very real impact that pollution and climate change are already having on health...
2020-11-1336 minthe CMF podcastWorkplace culture We've all experienced this. You are sitting in the staff room, and someone starts to tell a story about a colleague, a patient or one of the managers, and before you know it everyone is sharing gossip. We even see this happening in churches, although here it is more likely to be called 'sharing prayer news'. Is this just harmless banter, or is there a more dangerous side to it? And how do we respond to gossipy situations without coming over as prim or moralistic? In this episode of 1st incision, I am talking to Esther and Rac...
2020-10-3019 minMonday Meditations with CMF CUROMeditation for Monday October 12, 2020, Monday of the 28th Week of Ordinary TimeJoin Michael Vacca from CMF CURO for this week's meditation on the attraction of Truth, and Christ who is the Truth.
2020-10-1202 minthe CMF podcastRacism, bullying and harassment: an NHS problem?Over the last six months or so there has been an outpouring of love for the NHS and the staff who provide care and support to us. We've all be out there clapping and putting up rainbows in a sign of support and solidarity. But not everyone who is treated in the NHS or works in it has such a positive experience. The colour of your skin can determine how you get treated, both as a patient and as a member of staff. Many students and junior staff report experiences of bullying and harassment, often as a routine experience...
2020-09-1819 minthe CMF podcastAltruistic Kidney DonationOver 4,000 people in the UK are in need of a kidney transplant. The kidney is one of the few organs that can be transplanted relatively safely from a live donor. But for the majority of those on the waiting list for a new kidney, the wait will depend on someone with healthy kidneys dying, and that wait can last years.Joseph Walsh has a story to tell about his own involvement with kidney transplantation, and we talk to him about why he thinks that Christians literally have something life-changing to give.You can find more...
2020-09-0416 minthe CMF podcast1st incision special - COVID-19: when demand outstrips supplyThe outbreak of COVID-19 has had a huge impact on the healthcare systems of virtually every country on earth, and the UK has been no exception. A massive mobilisation and reorganisation of the British National Health Service (NHS) to address the challenges we were facing from this new and still poorly understood disease happened in weeks. And in the midst of this mass reorganisation, a lot of thinking had to go into how best to allocate limited resources as we faced a potential overload on the NHS.Two of our members, Dr Melody Redman and Dr James...
2020-07-1032 minthe CMF podcastSeries three recap & finaleIn the last episode of season three of 1st incision, we look back at some of the ways Christian Medical Fellowship has been responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and at some of the resources and support for health professionals that is still available. We're taking a break for the summer, but we'll be back in the autumn with a fresh series of interviews and discussions at the interface of faith, medicine, nursing and midwifery that affect our Christian lives in today's world.Past episodes of 1st incision are available from our BuzzSprout page, including all 41...
2020-06-2606 minthe CMF podcastChristian nurses ministering globallyAnne Biro, the Vice-President of Nurses Christian Fellowship International (NCFI) talks with Steve Fouch about how Christian nurses in the UK and in many other nations are connecting together to encourage, teach and train each other during 2020, the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife (you can read more about this at https://cmf.li/36c3WUy and about the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale at https://cmf.li/3bo1NaM). To find out more about CMF’s work with nurses and midwives go to www.cmf.org.uk/nurses
2020-05-2920 min
the CMF podcastCOVID-19 voices from the frontline - the intensivistIn our fortieth and final voices from the frontline, we talk to Audrey, an intensivist at a Glasgow intensive care unit. At the sharp end of dealing with COVID-19, she and her team have been working longer hours, with trainees and non-specialists taking on new roles caring for those most seriously affected by the disease. How have she and her team handled the remarkable circumstances in which they have found themselves in the last three months? How has she found Jesus amid this crisis?This is the last of our special series of voices from...
2020-05-2212 min
the CMF podcastCOVID-19 voices from the frontline - the psychiatristMental health is a big issue in the current crisis. Today we talk to Hans, a psychiatrist from Switzerland. Uncertainties about the illness, its effects on us and our loved ones, on our livelihoods, on everyday life, can all lead to anxiety and isolation. How can we cope with these strains on our mental health? Are there positive challenges and opportunities to be discovered in these situations? You can find out more about ICMDA at https://icmda.net and at our COVID-19 blogs at https://cmf.li/COVID19blogsSupport the show
2020-05-1208 min
the CMF podcastCOVID-19 voices from the frontline - sidelinedWhat about those who aren't on the COVID-19 frontline? Steve works at CMF and is a consultant neuro-rehabilitation specialist. He was due to go into partial retirement just as the lockdown began, and found himself at home with no clinical role and watching his colleagues putting their lives on the line to care for patients. How has this affected him? What is he doing now, and how are the non-COVID patients he sees dealing with the situation? It's not just some health workers who feel sidelined. And, in the midst of all of this, what does Steve...
2020-05-1109 min
the CMF podcastCOVID-19 voices from the frontline - the medical student volunteerRachael is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Manchester. Before the pandemic she was halfway through her neurology placement, but since COVID-19 interrupted her studies, she has been volunteering at the hospital, helping out in practical ways supporting clinical staff. With her studies suspended and the coming months looking really uncertain, how is her faith helping to keep her focused and grounded. You can read more about CMF's student ministry at https://www.cmf.org.uk/students/Support the show
2020-05-0607 min
the CMF podcastCOVID-19 voices from the frontline - the paediatric nurseChelsea is a paediatric critical care nurse who has been re-deployed to an adult ICU caring for COVID-19 patients. What is it like moving from child to adult intensive care? What is it like working twelve-hour shifts in PPE with the most seriously ill COVID-19 patients? How is she processing all she has had to deal with over the last few weeks?You can read more about CMF's nursing and midwifery ministry at https://www.cmf.org.uk/nurses/Support the show
2020-05-0509 min
the CMF podcastCOVID-19 voices from the frontline - the redeployed traineeElla is a redeployed ophthalmology trainee. She has been moved from her normal specialist training post in eye medicine to work on an acute COVID-19 ward and finds herself having to learn and re-lean a very different set of medical skills while getting to know a totally new clinical team and a new hospital. She was also expecting to get married soon but has had to cancel it and change major life plans at very short notice. How has her faith shaped her response to the frustrations and changes she is having to juggle at the moment.
2020-05-0409 minthe CMF podcastWhen Christians DisagreeWith Christians joining CMF from different backgrounds we recognise a diversity of views on many issues. How do we separate what is doctrine from what is preference? Or what is holy from what is heresy? What does it look like to disagree well and be united in our mission to be united and equipped to live and speak for Jesus Christ in medicine and nursing? Support the show
2020-05-0126 min
the CMF podcastCOVID-19 voices from the frontline - the scientistTim is a clinical scientist with many years' experience in developing anti-viral drugs. He is currently heading clinical development for a UK pharmaceutical company. At the moment, many clinical trials are in suspension as the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown isolates vulnerable patient groups. At the same time, there is a significant re-deployment of people and resources to find drug candidates that will inhibit the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. As a Christian and a scientist, how does he harmonise his faith and science; do they have anything in common? CMF rec...
2020-04-3008 min
the CMF podcastCOVID-19 voices from the frontline - CMF Catalyst Teams CMF Catalyst Teams are local teams of Christian health workers coming together to help unite and equip fellow Christian health professionals live and speak for Christ in their workplaces. We speak to three Catalyst Team leaders from around the UK, Noel, Brian and Angela, about how they are responding as Christians to the particular challenges of COVID-19 in their parts of the country.You can find out more about Catalyst Teams at https://www.cmf.org.uk/catalyst-teams/ Support the show
2020-04-2911 min
the CMF podcastCOVID-19 voices from the frontline - the surgical nurseGeorgie is a surgical nurse in an acute surgery unit. They are seeing fewer patients, which raises the concern that people are staying away from hospital out of fear of COVID-19, increasing their risks from their current condition. At the same time, like many other health workers, COVID-19 is having a real impact on her family life. She is also busy supporting final year students suddenly put in the frontline through her role in CMF. How is she managing with these additional stresses and strains, and how can we pray for her and the students she supports? ...
2020-04-2810 minthe CMF podcastHow long oh Lord? Finding hope when the storm clouds gatherOn Saturday 25th April 2020, CMF hosted a National Online Gathering attended by up to 1,000 healthcare professionals from the UK and beyond. In the morning talks, Pastor Jonty Allcock of the Globe Church in London walked us through the Book of Habakkuk looking at the question, ‘How long Lord? Finding hope in Christ when the storm clouds gather’. This is a timely prophetic call to the church in the midst of a time of crisis.Links to resources related to Jonty's talk are available at https://cmf.li/2020NOGLinksRemember to join us every day at 7 pm...
2020-04-2547 minthe CMF podcastLife Beyond COVID-19On Saturday 25th April 2020, CMF hosted a National Online Gathering attended by nearly 1,000 healthcare professionals. In our keynote talk, Dr Patrick Dixon - author, business consultant, futurist, and chairman of Global Change Ltd - looks at Life Beyond COVID-19. What does the future hold and how should Christians think and act in these incredible times?Links to resources related to Patrick's talk are available at https://cmf.li/2020NOGLinksRemember to join us every day at 7 pm (BST/UTC+1) for #COVID1900Prayer, a chance to pray for health workers, our nation and the world as...
2020-04-2547 min
the CMF podcastCOVID-19 voices from the frontline - the hospital chaplainsGraham and Christine work in a hospital chaplaincy team, providing spiritual care and support to patients and staff. COVID-19 has changed the way they can care significantly. Infection control means they cannot visit patients apart from exceptional circumstances. Caring for those who are seriously ill and isolated from loved ones is now very hard. Support for staff is also vital and is now the main focus of care. How can we engage with and support this largely invisible but vital behind the scenes role?[recorded 1 April 2020] CMF's Pastoral Care and Well-being programme is a...
2020-04-0810 minthe CMF podcastPersonal well-being and going the distanceThe well-being of doctors, midwives and nurses has become a very topical issue. The General Medical Council has recently released a report looking at the systemic and organisational factors that lead to clinician stress. The British Medical Association is providing a 24/7 helpline and access to counselling services. But what about the Christian perspective? Do CMF members maintain their well-being in their workplaces? How do we support Christian clinicians to continue to live and speak for Jesus? And how do we care for the carers in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic? You can find out more details...
2020-04-0324 min
the CMF podcastCOVID-19 voices from the frontline - the GPIn the first of a special series of podcasts telling the stories of CMF members working at the frontline of the response to COVID-19 in the UK and around the world, we talk to James, a GP (family doctor) who shares the pressures being faced by general practices and community health services as the COVID-19 outbreak intensifies and guidance changes on an almost daily basis. How does being a Christian really make a difference in this situation.Support the show
2020-03-2508 minthe CMF podcastCoronavirus and Costly LoveAt what feels like an unprecedented time in our history, how do Christians in healthcare respond to a global pandemic? Professor John Wyatt outlines the source of our strength to serve in costly ways, even risking our lives. He draws lessons from history when Christians have been at the forefront of treating the sick in plagues and pandemics, including birthing the whole nursing profession. You can read more about this on a CMF blog, Christianity in a time of plague that John has just published. Join with us at 19:00 (7 pm UTC) each day to pray...
2020-03-2025 minthe CMF podcastMedical corruption and conflict of interestWe hear a lot about corruption as a scourge affecting developing countries, but we often assume it is not something that close to home for those of us living and working in the West. But the reality of medical corruption and conflict of interest affects everyone working in healthcare in every corner of the world. Joining CMF's Head of Communications, Steve Fouch to explore this complex topic is Dr Marius Ungureanu, the Director of Education for the Masters in Public Health programme at Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Marius has been part of a CMF w...
2020-01-0328 minthe CMF podcastLove Thy BodyIn this special, extended edition of 1st incision, CMF Associate CEO John Greenall talks to Nancy Pearcey, the American author and leading Evangelical academic about her seminal book, Love Thy Body, and how our worldview affects how we understand our bodies, identity and how we value humanity and human life.Heralded as 'America’s preeminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual' (The Economist), Nancy Pearcey is author of Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality, Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity, which won a 2005 ECPA Gold Medallion Award, and How Now Shall We Live? (co...
2019-11-2954 min