Duncan Gibbs – change of time and venue for service
For members in the West Country planning to attend Saturday's Thanksgiving Service, so many are coming that the time and venue have had to be changed to: 3.30pm at St Eustachius Parish Church, Tavistock. Please contact any you know are going who may not see this email.
National Graduates Conference
With just over a week to go, there are still places for the annual Swanwick conference. Come and join us, and while reviewing 60 years of the NHS, 'live in the light of the future'.
Faith and practice
The GMC guidance on Personal Beliefs and Medical Practice raises questions for every member. Can I talk about faith with patients? Do I have to refer for abortion? A CMF review includes encouraging clarification from the GMC. The media are interested, and you can hear Peter Saunders in discussion with the GMC and Evan Harris MP on BBC Radio 4 You and Yours.
Spirituality in medicine
CMF member John Geater was in at the beginning of PRIME, and is described as 'an international health guru' in an inspiring article by a Portugese GP registrar in the student BMJ. The secular publication of this well-argued advocacy of whole person medicine shows we are winning at least one battle.
Speaking Out!
God calls some to be advocates in local and national politics and medico-politics, and on Saturday 3 May, Bank Holiday weekend, there is a Day Conference in CMF's London HQ. Mainly intended for students and juniors, it will emphasise practical advice for debating, writing, broadcasting, etc.
Stem cell update
Will we win the battles over hybrids and embryonic stem cells? The Commons will soon debate these controversial matters, but leaving the ethics aside, the science is moving very fast.
Harvard scientists have taken skin cells from patients with 8 different diseases and turned them into iPS, induced pluripotent stem cells, with all the potential of embryonic stem cells. An excellent science article in the Telegraph separates 'the hope from the hype' regarding animal-human hybrids.
Keswick Convention still needs GP cover
If any GPs are attending any of the Keswick weeks (12-18 July, 19-25 July, 26 July-1 August) the convention organisers would be grateful for offers of cover at the main meetings. Please email simon.overend@keswickministries.org.
Housekeeping
If you have any, please do not use the old style FREEPOST envelopes. They have the old licence number WC3121 and are brown or manila. Each one used costs us £1.24. Please use the new white ones.
'…the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love' (Psalm 147:11)
