Conversations in Science and Faith

Redefining Spirituality and Science: Beyond Evidence-Based Medicine

In this episode of Conversations in Science and Faith, I was honored to sit down with Dr. Kavitha Chinnaiyan to explore the profound intersection of science, medicine, and inner transformation. Dr. Chinnaiyan is a cardiologist and professor at William Beaumont School of Medicine. She's a published researcher in the fields of cardiac imaging. And she's also a spiritual teacher integrating ancient traditions under the name Saundaryāmbikā. From the elegant physics of cardiovascular systems to the deeply human art of patient care, Dr. Chinnaiyan reflected on her journey bridging evidence-based medicine with practices like meditation and yoga. She shared how stress, consciousness, and emotional states directly influence heart health. We also discussed why the future of medicine must advance beyond linear models of cause and effect to a holistic approach. We talked about the role of spirituality in clinical practice, the importance of humility and openness in patient relationships, and how physicians can integrate scientific rigor with a deeper understanding of human experience. Dr. Chinnaiyan also offered a powerful perspective on non-duality, karma yoga, and the idea that true healing emerges when we move beyond separation of mind and body. Conversations in Science and Faith – Guest Nomination Form [https://forms.gle/86yHSPCmJBi5FZx4A] (https://forms.gle/86yHSPCmJBi5FZx4A)

Holistic care: Bringing Soul Back to Medicine | Dr. Jonathan Weinkle

In this episode of Conversations in Science and Faith, Dr. Jonathan Weinkle shared how healthcare providers can navigate this sacred profession.  Dr. Weinkle is an internal medicine and pediatric physician at a community-focused clinic, chairs the Executive Committee of the Conference on Medicine and Religion, and has authored multiple books [https://healerswholisten.com/healing-people-not-patients/] on seeing patients as people above all. Dr. Weinkle shares how his Jewish faith shapes a deeply relational approach to care, becoming a rofeh-yedid, a doctor-friend, to the patient. We explore “micro-ethics” in medicine: the small, everyday choices that protect dignity, and how practices like mussar (character development) cultivate humility, patience, and presence with patients. Finally, he addresses the importance of end-of-life care and language about death, cultural humility in planning, and importance of not abandoning patients as illness progresses. Dr. Weinkle closes with advice for future clinicians: remember the “doctor in the patient,” treat lived experience as real data alongside lab data, and help bring soul and compassion back into modern medicine. If you're a student, trainee, or clinician seeking practical ways to heal with scientific rigor and faith-based humility, these conversations are for you.   Conversations in Science and Faith – Guest Nomination Form [https://forms.gle/86yHSPCmJBi5FZx4A] (https://forms.gle/86yHSPCmJBi5FZx4A)

Beyond Diagnosis: Medicine, Faith, and the Art of Oncology | Dr. Tyler Johnson

On this episode of Conversations in Science and Faith I had the honor of speaking with Dr. Tyler Johnson, a Stanford oncologist, award winning educator, published writer, and host of The Doctor's Art [https://www.thedoctorsart.com/] podcast. We discussed how oncology in particular demand precision but also presence. Medicine can often feel totalizing and having a background in faith can help recenter the focus on the whole patient.  Dr. Johnson discusses how to balance the "puzzle" of complex cases with the person in front of us, and the root behind why so many doctors experience burnout. He illustrates why simple rituals like "kneeling at the bedside" can ground us and how these habits can sustain purpose in training and beyond.  If you're a student, trainee, or clinician seeking practical ways to heal with scientific rigor and faith based humility, this conversation is for you. Conversations in Science and Faith – Guest Nomination Form [https://forms.gle/86yHSPCmJBi5FZx4A] (https://forms.gle/86yHSPCmJBi5FZx4A)

Faith and Fur: A Veterinarian’s Story | Dr. Debora Wallingford

In this episode I was honored to be joined by Dr. Debora Wallingford, a dedicated veterinarian whose love for animals began in her Nebraska hometown and led her to the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Wallingford shares how her faith, compassion, and commitment to service shape her work at the Cat and Dog Clinic of Bellevue. From mentoring young aspiring vets to finding meaning in the bond between humans and animals, this conversation explores the intersection of science, spirituality, and everyday care for creation.  Conversations in Science and Faith – Guest Nomination Form [https://forms.gle/86yHSPCmJBi5FZx4A] (https://forms.gle/86yHSPCmJBi5FZx4A)

Humility and Curiosity: A Drug Hunter's Journey | Dr. Kasim Moohktiar

Welcome to Conversations in Science and Faith! A series of conversations with scientists, healthcare leaders, and innovators, exploring the power of integrating faith, identity, and service into the world of science.  I am your host Abbas Shakir and in this episode I was honored to be joined by Dr. Kasim Mookhtiar, a trailblazer in drug discovery with 40+ years of experience in both foundational and applied biochemical RnD. Dr. Mookhtiar is also practicing Dawoodi Bohra and credits his faith and spirituality as guiding forces in both his personal and professional life. Grounded in both science and faith, he believes in  harnessing innovation and emerging technologies to deliver meaningful and human-centered solutions. Conversations in Science and Faith – Guest Nomination Form [https://forms.gle/86yHSPCmJBi5FZx4A] (https://forms.gle/86yHSPCmJBi5FZx4A)