When Illness Becomes a Teacher: A Med Student's Spiritual Journey: Crystal Ralls

An Epidemic Hiding in Plain Sight

Pornography is one of the most pervasive and least discussed struggles in the church today — and healthcare professionals are far from immune. In this episode, Bill Reichart sits down with Dr. David Staab, a retired general surgeon and CMDA Member Care volunteer, to talk about what no one wants to talk about. Dr. Staab shares why those in the healing professions are uniquely vulnerable to hidden struggles, what he’s actually seeing among students and trainees, why common approaches like informal accountability groups often fall short, and what real transformation looks like when someone finally brings their struggle into the light. If you or someone you know is wrestling silently, this conversation is a place to start.

When God Shows Up in the Sickness

What if illness wasn’t just something to endure — but a sacred space where God does His deepest work? In this episode, Bill sits down with Dr. Robert Marks, a practicing gastroenterologist, and Dr. Dana Blake, a physical therapist and professor, to discuss their powerful book Crucible of Illness. Together they explore a radical biblical perspective: that life-threatening illness, pain, and suffering are not the end of the story, but a portal through which faith matures and grace is revealed. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a student, a resident or someone walking through your own valley, this conversation will challenge, encourage, and reframe the way you think about suffering, hope, and the God who meets us in the middle of it all.

From Trainee to Employed: Setting Yourself Up for Success - Linda Wrede Seaman

You’ve spent years in training, but are you ready for one of the most important decisions of your career? In this essential episode of CMDA Student Pulse Podcast, host Bill Reichart sits down with Dr. Linda Wrede Seaman to walk through the critical elements every medical and dental trainee needs to understand before signing their first employment contract. Dr. Seaman brings invaluable expertise in helping physicians navigate the complex world of employment agreements. From non-compete clauses and tail coverage to compensation structures and restrictive covenants, she breaks down the fine print that could impact your practice for years to come. Whether you’re a medical student planning ahead, a resident eyeing your first position, or a fellow about to make the leap into practice, this conversation will equip you to ask the right questions, spot potential red flags, and negotiate terms that protect your professional future. Don’t let excitement about your first “real job” lead to costly oversights—tune in to learn what you need to know before you sign on the dotted line. SHOW NOTES:

Black Coffee and Bedside Prayers: One Nurse's Journey Through Suffering and Grace - Derek Hadinger

How do you keep your faith fully present in your nursing jobs? How do you keep your patient’s needs at the forefront when the lead organization or administration has a different agenda? Dealing with difficult patients is a specialty of yours. What advice do you have for nursing students when it comes to dealing with a difficult patient – whether they are merely stubborn or flat out belligerent/violent? What are three most important pieces of advice you would like to give nursing students who are about to enter the field? SHOW NOTES: To contact Mr. Hadinger, email wfedan@gmail.com [wfedan@gmail.com]. To purchase his book, go to: https://www.amazon.com/Years-Strong-Coffee-Strong-Willed-Patients/dp/B0FLF6QLZB/ref=sr_1_3 [https://www.amazon.com/Years-Strong-Coffee-Strong-Willed-Patients/dp/B0FLF6QLZB/ref=sr_1_3]

From Division to Unity: Reframing Race Through Scripture: Monique Duson

After two decades advocating for Critical Race Theory, Monique Duson experienced a dramatic shift in perspective. Now co-founder and President of the Center for Biblical Unity, she’s challenging Christians to rethink how we approach race, justice, and reconciliation through a scriptural lens. In this conversation with Bill Reichart, Monique shares the pivotal moments that transformed her worldview and led her to establish the Center for Biblical Unity alongside Krista Bontrager. She discusses what biblical unity actually looks like in practice—not as a destination to be achieved, but as our starting point in Christ. Discover why defining terms like humanity, race, love, and justice through Scripture rather than culture is essential for the Church. Monique reveals what the gospel uniquely offers for racial reconciliation that secular approaches cannot. SHOW NOTES: If you’re wrestling with how faith intersects with identity, justice, and unity in today’s cultural moment, this episode offers fresh biblical perspective and hope. https://www.centerforbiblicalunity.com/ [https://www.centerforbiblicalunity.com/]