In the Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Office of Campus Ministry is answering a call that is both local and national in scope. In Fall 2016, the Office of Campus Ministry will begin the Francis and Clare Vocation Program (FCVP) for prospective doctors of osteopathic medicine.
The FCVP is a four-year, co-curricular vocation and formation experience within the College of Osteopathic Medicine, which will monitor the ebb and flow of our challenging osteopathic curriculum and clinical practice.
Vocation is derived from the Latin word vocare, “to call.” With “charity as its ordering principle,” the authors of Christian Virtues in Medical Practice (Edmund Pellegrino and David Thomasma) state that a physician is called to “a special way of love, of giving oneself in one’s daily works of helping, curing, caring, and healing.”
Formation addresses the human, intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral dimensions. All physicians, regardless of faith tradition, can benefit from this level of spiritual support. Formation activities include readings and discussions from Franciscan, spiritual, and medical sources, prayer, retreats, hospitality and fellowship, spiritual direction, and collaborations in clinical settings.
The Office of Campus Ministry is excited to offer this opportunity to form transformative faith-filled leaders in the College of Osteopathic Medicine. As the spiritual formation campus minister, I look forward to leading this new program in addition to my continued ministry in the Leighton School of Nursing, the development of a Chaplaincy Mentor Program, promotion of spiritual direction, and ongoing work with students of all faiths located in the Michael A. Evans Center for Health Sciences.
