The Guild is Back in Town!

The Saint Giuseppe Catholic Medical Association New Orleans Guild, a chapter of the Catholic Medical Association (CMA) has been reestablished for local Catholic healthcare professionals and students. The organization is dedicated to supporting its members in practicing medicine in alignment with the moral and ethical teachings of the church. 

“It was important to us to bring back the Catholic Medical Association because there are so many practicing Catholic physicians in the region and there are a lot of issues that are not keeping with the Catholic faith like bio-ethical issues, conscious rights, defending life from conception to natural death and it is good to have this organization of like-minded Catholics to help us stay strong in our faith so we can stand for what is right,” said Dr. Anand Irimpen, association president.

The group that reformed in July of this year, has assembled a board that meets once a month and holds general membership meetings once a quarter. Both the board and general membership meetings are hosted at area chapels and churches. To date, the association has approximately 40 dues paying members with many more inquires coming in daily.

“We have had such a great response since restarting the local chapter,” Dr. Irimpen said. “It has been amazing how many people have wanted to be part of the association. When we met with Archbishop Aymond he was also glad this was coming back to the city and has been very supportive of our efforts.”

According to the by-laws, the Guild welcomes the membership of all who are involved in the healthcare field – physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, bioethicists and students alike. It serves as a local branch of the national CMA, which has a long history of upholding the sanctity of life, human dignity and conscience rights in the medical profession. Its leadership team played an instrumental role in the formation of the New Orleans Guild and has obtained national CMA approval. 

“The goal with restarting the association is to inform and support current physicians and future physicians to live and promote the principals of the Catholic faith in the science and practice of medicine. And, to inspire physicians to imitate Jesus Christ,” said Dr. Irimpen.

According to the local board, the New Orleans Guild proposes a range of activities modeling its national parent association, including educational talks, mentorship programs, Masses and social gatherings. The leadership team is made up of local medical professionals and their chaplain, Dr. Father Roy Joseph, SJ. 

Additionally, the Guild serves as the umbrella organization for the Saint Giuseppe Moscati Society, a vibrant medical student group led by Emmanuel Levy. 

“Working in the medical field is an absolute gift. We are granted the opportunity to encounter persons in some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives,” said Kristin Delaune RN, board member. “As Catholics, we are called to apply ourselves with all the gifts we have received, providing the greatest medicine with all efforts and hope for full physical healing. Meanwhile, we are reminded of the value of suffering, united to Christ, for the salvation of souls and must kneel before our patients, seeing Christ in them.”

“The call of a Catholic is to lovingly and boldly differentiate the judgement between action and person. Love the person and through love, judge what actions are good or bad. Since we can be educated by the Church, created and guided by Christ, we can be assured that we are practicing what is truly the best for man,” she added. “Our goal is to create a home for all Catholic healthcare professionals where we can be encouraged to grow in greater truth and love and allow that to influence our daily practice.”

The Guild’s first event was held on July 31, featuring speaker Father Jeffrey Montz of Notre Dame Seminary, who spoke movingly on the topic of “Redemptive Suffering” through the lens of Venerable Fulton J. Sheen. Dr. Brian Credo presented “Creating Compassion in Medicine - A Catholic Perspective” on Oct. 22 at St. Ignatius Hall on the campus of Jesuit High School.

Also, an annual White Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Aymond, for all Catholic healthcare providers will be celebrated at St. Louis Cathedral at 11 a.m. on Nov.16.

“This is a good beginning. A Catholic Medical Association plays a significant role in navigating the ethical and moral framework for Catholic healthcare professionals. By advocating for life-affirming practices that promote the sanctity of life, and offering educational resources and spiritual support, the CMA helps its members maintain their professional integrity while adhering to Catholic teachings,” Dr. Irimpen said.

For more information or to become a member of the Catholic Medical Association New Orleans Guild, please email [email protected].