fellowship news
Global
ICMDA Western Europe Conference
Last autumn, medical students and doctors gathered at the Chrischona Campus in Basel, Switzerland, to learn how we, as Christian health professionals, can be a voice for the voiceless. For many of us, medical ethics can be a topic that feels quite challenging and, at times, intimidating, especially when our ethos and convictions may not be widely shared among colleagues. This conference was an excellent opportunity to learn from many experienced theologians, including David Cook, Julia Garschagen, and Bernd Wannenwetsch, who shared their experiences and gave practical insights.
We also had time to reflect on a variety of topical ethical issues, including abortion, euthanasia and organ donation and to pray for our countries. It was beautiful to see so many nations come together, and this was reflected in the international night, where each country could share something unique about its nation.
Thank you to our brothers and sisters from AGEAS (CMF Switzerland), who warmly welcomed us and many thanks to the conference team for organising such empowering and encouraging seminars.
‘Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.’ (Ephesians 4:15)
Susanna Enongene, resident doctor, West Midlands
Mauritania field trip
A small team of four responded to an opportunity to look at community healthcare in Mauritania, West Africa. We had an excellent time of learning, sharing with other believers working there, serving in some clinics, undertaking some teaching, visiting prison work, and visiting a desert hospital run by Health Outreach Middle East. God used even the most niche specialties in amazing ways for which we thank him. Follow-up discussions are underway about how some community health provision could be developed in the country. In addition, we aim to send another team in January 2027. Do let us know if you might be interested via: globalcoordinator@cmf.org.uk
Fi McLachlan was Head of CMF Global
Shirley Heywood MBE
CMF member Shirley Heywood was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for her services to women’s health in Nepal last year; Shirley has worked in Nepal for many years with The International Nepal Fellowship (INF) and has specialised in the treatment of women with obstetric fistulae. It is her pioneering work in this area that this award acknowledges. We extend our congratulations to her and thank God for the positive impact her work has made for the women of Nepal.
physician & anaesthesia associates
Do you know a Physician or Anaesthesia Associate?
Since December 2024, Physician Associates / Assistants and Anaesthesia Associates / Assistants (PAs and AAs) have been eligible for full membership of CMF, now that they are regulated by the General Medical Council.
CMF has been making some tentative steps to connect with Christian PAs and AAs over the last two years, and this is now picking up some encouraging momentum. We have a WhatsApp group with 35 PAs/AAs on it, and we had our first meet-up for them at Johnson House on 21 February (see the picture of some of those who were present).
The recent tensions between professions, the Leng Review, the often-strident BMA input, and various legal challenges have all contributed to an often-toxic workplace situation. Furthermore, many PAs and AAs have graduated, only to find that work opportunities have completely dried up.
Into this difficult dynamic, we have an amazing opportunity as Christians to listen, to speak words of both grace and truth, and to demonstrate real community where there are still multiple challenges.
If you know a Christian PA or AA who might like to get involved with CMF, please introduce them to David Smithard via david.smithard@cmf.org.uk – we would love to add them to the group and invite them to the next meet up!
Mark Pickering, CMF Chief Executive
Residents
CMF Ireland
Five years ago, in the cold winter of my second year of medicine in the heart of Dublin, I remember my prayers still echoed the same cries as the previous year – that God would start a CMF at my university, as he sustains the CMF in Galway. What I didn’t know was that, in less than two years, God would bring about all the right connections and, in many miraculous, butterfly-effect moments, grow CMF in the Dublin universities into the bubbly community it is now.
The CMF community in Ireland has experienced steady growth over the past five years, from a group of student-led groups at local universities across the country to the start of the CMF Ireland Working Group. This is chaired by Dr Valerie Nicolay and includes non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs, equivalent to resident doctors in the UK), student representatives from across Ireland, and CMF staff. Our flagship annual event – the CMF Irish Conference in Athlone – most recently attracted over 60 students and graduates from all over the island of Ireland in 2025. Main talks and a selection of seminars were given by speakers from both the UK and Ireland, including Dr Andrew Collins (consultant psychiatrist and Biblical Counselling UK tutor), and seminar leaders, Dr Aaron Doherty (consultant microbiologist in Cork University Hospital) and Dr David Weakliam (consultant in public health medicine and lead of Ireland’s Health Service Executive Global Health Programme). Students have also benefited from this increase in graduate involvement, being able to network with and be encouraged by those who have walked the path ahead. One example is the CMF Ireland Christmas Fellowship and Lunch on 13 December 2025, where students, NCHDs, consultants, and retirees came together for a time of fellowship over food, testimony sharing, and even live guitar music led by Dr Ronnie Grainger (retired consultant urologist).
Exciting plans for the expansion of CMF in Ireland include future Irish Conferences involving more graduates, as well as day events aimed at fostering greater connections, such as the upcoming Saline Process Day Conference on 11 April 2026 in Dublin, where we had a wonderful time of fellowship and equipping.
In closing, my prayers have now changed from simply getting CMF started in my university, as they have been continually answered in his good timing. The Lord has done ‘immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine’ (Ephesians 3:20) even in this community of Christians in healthcare in Ireland. ‘To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.’ (Ephesians 3:21)
Liz Birdie Ong, NCHD, Limerick
leadership
Who knows if God has called you for such a time as this?
As part of the Christians in Healthcare Leadership Network (CHLN), we are eager to support established leaders and intentionally build up and encourage the next generation of Christian healthcare leaders. So, we were pleased to launch the Emerging Leaders Stream (ELS) in January 2026. The aim of this new initiative is to enthuse and inspire the next generation of healthcare clinical and non-clinical leaders to love Jesus and reflect his heart for humanity in all aspects of our work and leadership.
This group of clinicians and healthcare leaders will learn, grow, and develop together over the coming months, focusing on topics relevant to all stages of NHS leadership, including understanding the NHS, imposter syndrome, and what to do when things go wrong, among others.
In our first in-person session on 17 January, we had the opportunity to examine biblical examples of godly leadership, specifically the words of the prophet Jeremiah. We then reflected on the theology of work and vocational calling, and on how to overcome the sacred-secular divide.
The famous words of Mordecai to Queen Esther, prompting her to step up and put her head above the parapet, are a call to action for many of us to consider how God could use our lives for his glory wherever he has placed us. As Christian healthcare leaders serving in a variety of settings, we want to be well-equipped with biblical wisdom and practical tools to help us serve in our leadership roles, both now and in the future.
We would value your continued prayers as we pilot this first iteration of the ELS and look forward to seeing all that God will do through this group.
For more information on the Emerging Leaders Stream, visit cmf.li/ELS
Dr Paula Busuulwa, on behalf of CHLN
students
Scholar
The CMF Scholar Fellowship is a ten-month programme for CMF members in the UK and Ireland who are intercalating or taking time out from training. It provides an opportunity to grow and develop as a Christian in medicine, nursing, or midwifery through teaching and mentoring in theology, ethics, and leadership. Scholars also complete a tailored project allowing them to use their skills and passions to serve CMF’s mission.
Joseph is an intercalating medical student who is passionate about Jesus. His current favourite hobby is enjoying live orchestral music and spending time with the people he loves. For him, taking part in Scholar is a meaningful way to stretch both his faith and his abilities. A session on Sabbath, in particular, helped challenge and restore his understanding of biblical rest, even amid the busyness of medical student life.
Grace is an intercalating medical student who has used this year to more intentionally bring together her faith and her medical studies. She joined the CMF Scholar programme to explore the theological foundations of healthcare and to deepen her understanding of what it means to follow Christ in clinical practice. She has valued the structured teaching and the opportunity to learn alongside others, reflecting together on how doctrine shapes vocation. As part of the programme, she has also contributed to projects that support CMF’s ongoing work.
Emily is a fifth-year intercalating medical student in Aberdeen. She was drawn to the programme because she is passionate about seeing medical students equipped to live out their faith in the workplace. She chose to invest her time intentionally in serving CMF and reflecting on the unique challenges and joys of being a Christian medic. She has found the year inspiring, encouraging, and challenging.
Abbie is a third-year medical student at Edinburgh. Throughout university, she has benefited greatly from being part of CMF, meeting Christians of all ages who understand the unique challenges and blessings of life as a Christian medic. She has a particular interest in ethics. Being a Scholar has given her more opportunities to learn, reflect, and discuss these issues in ways that place God at the centre.
Rebecca is a third-year medical student at UCL, completing her iBSc in Global Health. She chose to use her intercalated year to take part in the Scholar programme, where she has been attached to the Global Team. Her experience has been deeply enriching, allowing her to explore how her faith informs different aspects of healthcare. She has also contributed practically to Global Team events, such as Global Track Day and the RASH conference, while deepening her knowledge in areas she finds personally meaningful. As part of her project, she has been updating the CMF electives database to help medical students find suitable faith-based organisations or hospitals for their electives. Overall, she has thoroughly enjoyed giving back to CMF as an organisation while growing in her faith along the way.
Jeremy is a third-year intercalating medical student at the University of Edinburgh.He sees the CMF Scholar programme as a brilliant opportunity to receive regular, high-quality Christian medical teaching and to place Christ at the centre of his medical studies. As part of the programme, he has enjoyed getting involved in CMF’s public policy department, where he has been researching emerging ethical issues facing Christians in healthcare today.
Euan is a third-year intercalating medical student at Edinburgh who is delighted to be part of the Scholar programme. For him, the programme offers the opportunity to ground his studies in his faith, exploring more deeply what it means to engage with medicine in, through, and for Christ.
Valeriia is originally from Ukraine and now works as a Senior House Officer (equivalent to an FY2) in surgery in Dublin. She has found that the challenges of relocating and rebuilding her medical career have deepened both her resilience and her dependence on God. Her journey into Irish healthcare has strengthened her faith in profound ways. As a CMF Scholar, she is eager to contribute to the growth of CMF in Ireland and to encourage Christian doctors to practise with integrity, humility, and Christ-centred compassion.
Seven of the Scholars gathered in Edinburgh in March for a study day (above), where Dan Strange led them in reflecting on the Lordship of Christ. Their horizons were broadened as they considered the gospel’s zoom focus (good news for the individual) and its wide-angle (good news for the world). It was a great day of learning together. We explored the complementarity of the Cultural Mandate in Genesis 1:28 and the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. We are also grateful for Dan’s generous investment in the programme, helping the Scholars recognise cultural blind spots and see how Christ’s Lordship reframes all of reality. Join us in praying that these medical students would continue to grow in understanding how the gospel reshapes hearts, societies, and our shared mission to engage with and renew the world.
Student Conference
Huge thanks to God for this year’s Student Conference (30 January to 1 February at Yarnfield Park, Staffordshire)! Over 340 students, volunteers, and staff were united and equipped to live and speak for Jesus through the main talks, seminars, meetings, activities, meals, and so much more.
Dr John Greenall (paediatrician and former Head of Student Ministries and Associate CEO at CMF) was the main speaker. He spoke powerfully on identity and God’s message for us to know who we belong to, who we are to become, and how we are being sent. His talks mainly came from Matthew 3 and 4.
It was also so encouraging to see students have special fellowship with one another through CMF at this event. A hundred and twenty-one of those attending were at their first CMF event!
We hope and pray for them to be part of CMF throughout their student days, career and beyond!
Andrew Jackson, CMF Head of Student Ministries
Residents
Reflecting on my time as Chair of the Resident Doctors’ Council
I joined CMF as a medical student nearly 15 years ago, and, like many, I have been tremendously blessed by the community, events, and resources that have shaped my thinking and development as a student and now as a resident doctor. I became more personally involved, attending the student conference as a fourth-year student, and later, volunteering at the end of medical school. These were all formative opportunities, which allowed me not only to meet other like-minded students and doctors, but also to grow and develop personally.
I was privileged to be invited to join the Junior Doctors Committee (now the Resident Doctors’ Council or RDC) in 2020. During my time on the committee, I had the opportunity to help organise the annual Resident Doctors’ Conference and work with the student ministry supporting the next generation of Christian doctors. It was a joy to later chair the committee, building on the work of my predecessors, and have the opportunity to join the CMF Board of Trustees. It was wonderful to form new friendships and develop new skills. After nearly five years on the committee, I was pleased to hand over to my friend and sister in Christ, Dr Katherine Aiken, who now chairs the RDC. I look forward to all that the future RDC will accomplish under her leadership.
I am incredibly grateful to CMF for giving resident doctors, such as me, the opportunity to not only participate but to actively contribute to the life and work of the ministry with residents. In particular, I want to thank Dr Felicia Wong for her love and mentorship in giving me and so many others freedom to develop in our leadership giftings.
The challenges of training and working can sometimes be overwhelming for resident doctors, but being able to meet and pray with fellow believers, all pursuing the same course of living and speaking for Jesus in medicine, helps to remind me of what is most important. The Lord has not called us to walk alone. Being able to have a family of people who understand the challenges and joys of medicine, as well as seeking to follow Christ, and who gently challenge you at times, is one of the greatest blessings of CMF. As part of the RDC, we were able to prayerfully and biblically consider how to respond to the issues affecting our fellow resident doctors – not always perfectly, but thoughtfully and always with the aim of pointing people back to Christ and supporting our fellow residents.
I now look forward to focusing on helping to develop emerging leaders within CMF as part of the Christian Healthcare Leadership Network (CHLN). I would strongly encourage anyone seeking to grow in their leadership giftings and serve the CMF resident doctors’ community to consider applying to join the next Resident Doctors Council, which is currently accepting applications.
Paula Busuulwa is a trainee in obstetrics and gynaecology, currently taking time out of training to work in London as a clinical teaching fellow whilst completing an MD. She was previously the Chair of the CMF Resident Doctors’ Council and is a CMF Board member.
Resident Doctors Conference
Suffering, Hope, and Glory
6-8 November, Yarnfield, Staffs
Jesus never promised that the Christian life would be easy, but he does give us a sure and living hope. Going through 1 Peter, we’ll explore how God uses suffering and hardship to refine our faith, shape Christlike character, and point us toward future glory. As we fix our eyes on Christ – the suffering Saviour – we learn not merely to endure, but to stand firm with unshakable hope.
Tobias Brown is an alumnus of Moody Bible Institute and holds an MA in Theology. He served as Associate Pastor at Trinity Grace Church in New York City for seven years, having lived there for twelve years before moving to London in 2019 to serve at All Souls Langham Place. He currently serves as an Associate Pastor/Elder at Grace London and lives in London with his wife, Angela, and their three daughters.
Save the date! Bookings open this summer.
nurses & midwives
Midwives’ retreat
What do you call a group of midwives? A bundle of midwives? A push of midwives? Let’s settle for a ‘You’ve Got This’ of midwives. Whatever the collective noun is, on 21-22 January I had the privilege of organising and leading the inaugural CMF midwives’ retreat for thirteen amazing midwives.
Our midwife members had told us that they wanted an event that made space for them to rest, relax, and be restored. This was especially important for those feeling the additional pressure of working in trusts that are part of the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation (National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation, June 2025, matneoinv.org.uk). Rest, relaxation and restoration were poured out in abundance from God during those precious twenty-four hours. And you can only imagine the amount of tea that was drunk and cake that was eaten!
The venue for the retreat was a stunning Georgian home near Bath, complete with a games room, a cinema room, and an indoor hot tub! Full of winter stew from the local pub, some of the group went for a wet walk to stretch their legs, and some took the opportunity to rest, read or get to know each other better. Once reunited, we were then led in a devotional from John 13:1-5, helping us to know how loved we are and how we can serve others out of that love. Prayers for one another and wider midwifery issues then filled the lounge as the Holy Spirit moved powerfully among us. The evening was filled with joy as we bonded over our bring-and-share dinner, watched a film, and chatted in the hot tub.
The following morning brought more tender moments during early morning prayer as stories were shared and we lifted one another’s needs to God. Following a delicious breakfast of pastries and fruit, there was further time to chat and relax. Old relationships were renewed and strengthened, and new relationships were forged, and by the time we needed to check out, no one really wanted to leave. An impromptu trip to Bath followed, where fellowship continued, surprise, surprise, over cream teas. The feedback from our time together was overwhelmingly positive, with one member saying:
‘I really found the retreat a healing time and just so refreshing to be surrounded by others who love God and others. You were all so kind to me and I will keep praying for you all.’
And another saying:
‘I have loved that CMF has organised this intimate time for midwives to come together to read the word of God, share, pray and encourage each other. It was a beautiful time.’
Please do keep midwives in your prayers. Ask that God would bless them, protect them and continue to work through them across the nations.
Gemma Griffiths, CMF Nurses and Midwives Staffworker
Volunteering
Rick Thomas
After more than ten years of faithful service on staff, Rick Thomas has recently stepped back from his employed role at CMF. However, we are delighted that this was not goodbye, but the beginning of a new chapter.
Rick served as Senior Researcher in the Public Policy Department, where he made a significant contribution to CMF’s engagement with ethical and policy issues. Over the past decade, he has written extensively across a wide range of formats and audiences, from detailed responses to government consultations to blogs, CMF Files, and Quick Guides. His work has helped equip members to think clearly and biblically about complex questions in healthcare and public life.
Beyond his written output, Rick has been a generous colleague and member of the Fellowship: thoughtful, steady, and deeply committed to strengthening others. Many have benefited from his willingness to invest time in developing ideas and people.
We are therefore particularly grateful that Rick has already returned as a volunteer CMF Public Policy Associate, focusing especially on supporting emerging writers. Giving one day a week, he will help to identify, encourage, and mentor those who want to grow in ethics and public policy writing. So, if you’d like to grow skills in contributing to consultations, producing resources, or to developing confidence in communicating Christian convictions in the public square, why not get in touch with him?
Rick brings not only experience but also a gift for encouragement. His desire to build up others and share what he has learned over many years of writing and engagement will be a real blessing to the Fellowship.
Please join us in thanking God for Rick’s decade of service on staff and in praying for him in this new season, including his volunteer ministry. We are thankful that his wisdom, insight and commitment remain part of the life of CMF.
staff & Volunteer movements
Fi McLachlan
Fi has led and shaped CMF’s global work for a decade. She has helped CMF engage with global health advocacy issues, establishing the Global Advocacy Group (GAG) to focus on strategic thinking and prioritisation of CMF’s role advocating in global health issues. The GAG and its working groups have addressed topics such as migrant health, international medical corruption, and attacks on healthcare in military conflict.
Under Fi’s leadership, the Global Team has been actively involved in setting up retreats, training days, international visits, and the Global Track. The mobilisation of CMF members into global healthcare missions, and their ongoing support and training, is central to the work of CMF Global, and under Fi, it has flourished and grown.
Fi has built up a large team of volunteers who have been central to that work, developing the Refugee and Asylum Seeker Health Course, amongst other things. Having left such an indelible mark on CMF’s Global ministry, Fi is now preparing for her next adventures after leaving CMF at the end of March. Please pray for her as she moves on to new challenges and hands the reins on to Laura (p34).
Felicia Wong
After nearly nine years heading up CMF’s graduate medical ministry, conferences and events, training and equipping ministries, and latterly, serving as CMF’s Deputy CEO, Felicia is moving on to pastures new this June. During her nine years with CMF, Felicia has worked tirelessly to support and develop the Resident Doctors Committee, strengthen and improve our conferences and training programmes, and develop our staff and volunteer ministry teams.
Felicia has been very active in encouraging and equipping women in clinical and other professional leadership roles, not just within CMF, but also through a ministry she co-leads called ‘She Sells Purple’.
She has been a constant and encouraging leader in the CMF staff team, and many members and colleagues, past and present, will be sad to see her leave.
Please pray for Felicia as she and her husband, John, move on to new adventures serving the Lord. Please also pray for the leadership team as they seek to find someone to fill her impressive shoes!
Please pray for the families of all these faithful servants of Christ and CMF members.
Leaving
Harriet Bishop moved on at the start of April as Events and Networks Coordinator at CMF to explore new opportunities in content creation.
Joining
Katie Lau joined us in April as the new Events and Networks Coordinator, helping to coordinate everything involved in organising CMF conferences throughout the year. Katie previously worked for the Linnean Society as their Events and Communications Manager. Her background is in public engagement, assisting scientists in engaging the public with their research, and she is looking forward to expanding her skills and knowledge while working with CMF.
Laura Aruparayil joined the team this March as the new Head of Global, succeeding Fi McLachlan. Laura was the West Yorkshire joint Catalyst Team leader with her husband, Noel, for eight years. She is a paediatrician, forensic medical examiner, and researcher with special interests in human trafficking, modern slavery, and trauma recovery. Her health and justice experience spans direct patient care, advocacy, and United Nations consultancy. Laura has been a regular speaker at CMF’s Refugee and Asylum Seeker Health courses.
Day of Prayer for the Health Service – 17 March
Many thanks to everyone who joined us for the Day of Prayer in March. We hosted an evening prayer meeting on Zoom, with over 60 people participating as we prayed for the NHS, training and teaching institutions, and the government bodies responsible for health across the UK and Ireland. We know of many more who prayed in their workplaces and churches throughout the day. Let’s keep praying for God to transform healthcare across the British Isles, showing the love of Jesus to patients and colleagues alike.
