This summer, “the last summer of your life” they tell us, I took part in one of the most amazing and formational experiences of my life. The METs preceptorship is a one month intensive training in whole person care. It teaches health professional students how to see patients through the eyes of Christ, to see them as much more than a disease or even a patient but instead, as a loved child of God. I cam to study medicine because I wanted to share Christ to a hurting world. However, I must admit, that in the midst of studying and “stressing,” it is all to easy to forget this greater purpose. I had to fight an inner battle everyday to remember, but I was still confused as to how to do so. Spreading Christ’s contagious love is more than treating a patient’s physical symptoms. I knew what I wanted to do but did not know how. METS equipped me as it answered my questions. Quite simply, it showed me the HOW.

 

            For one month, we had an intense schedule of morning quiet time, morning seminar, hours spent on whole person care practicums or shadowing physicians who integrated their faith into their practice, evening seminars, and amazing fellowship. We had students come from all over the world so you can very well imagine the depth of faith stories that were shared. Each of us had to raise a significant amount of money and invest a precious amount of time, and we were richly rewarded for our investments. God provided all that we needed and so much more! We learned about everything from bioethics, evangelism, discipleship, naturalism, apologetics, the basics of Bible study and spiritual disciplines to the most fundamental guidelines on relationships and friendships. Each seminar was incredibly insightful and delved deep into the Word of God. It was phenomenal.

 

            And it was a true act of faith to step into the hospital for our practicums. We learned the ethics behind providing spiritual care, and its basic step. We did as Christ led us, and I was finally able to see God’s presence in the hospital, not in some hidden corner or vaguely in the background, but the living God as ultimate Healer and friend. And I must reiterate that it was physicians who were faithful to Christ in their practice. We was the impact they had on their patient’s lives, and witnessed true healing and true joy on both sides. Yes, there was difference when spiritual care was provided, and yes, it was possible! And they did this in their everyday practices. It wasn’t something special they did once a month, but it was a seamless part of their lives. We witnessed amazing patient/doctor dynamics, and I grew to deeply desire this for my future practice.

 

            I am so thankful for the experiences of this summer and Loma Linda’s support for this program. I couldn’t have participated without the help of my school, and realize what a blessing it is to attend a school that shares my passions. Thank you so much!