Description
Our ability to care
for our patients, both physically and spiritually, will greatly depend upon our
ability to truly empathize with their difficulties and struggles. Every person is made in the image of God, and
we have opportunities to communicate this truth to our patients in a powerful
way. If they recognize our care for
their physical condition, they will be more likely to consider what we say
regarding what only the Great Physician can do for them.
1. What from this video inspired, edified, or challenged you?
2. Dr. Nuthalapaty’s experience growing up, despite being in a Christian home, left him confused that the way to be right with God was through right performance. Are there any lingering conceptions of faith and practice that remain from your upbringing that affect your view of the gospel today? Do you have examples of how you have moved past incomplete views in the past?
3. How did Dr. Nuthalapaty’s recognition of mankind being “fearfully and wonderfully made” influence how he communicated physical imperfections to his patients?
4. Has there been a situation in your own life that devastated you, as occurred in the lives of Dr. and Mrs. Nuthalapaty, but now enables you to better empathize with your patients and minister to them? (See
5. See 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. What does this verse tell us about how God will use our sufferings, weaknesses and imperfections? Why are healthcare professionals hesitant to be vulnerable with patients?
6. Dental assistant Harriette Forry illustrates in her video clip the “team” approach to spiritual care for patients, that the love shown by one team member could open the door for a different team member to point patients to Christ. Do you have Christian teammates at your workplace? How can you support each other in communicating the love of Christ to your patients? (See John 17:20-21.)
7. Dentist/physician Dr. Linda Huong shares how a dental office manager came to Christ through her willingness to share personal protective equipment (PPE) with their office during the COVID-19 pandemic. Were any of you pointed to Jesus by the unexpected kindness and generosity of those motivated by His love?
8. What is one take-home item from today’s session that you hope to implement?
Contributors
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Francis Nuthalapaty, MD
Dr. Nuthalapaty is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician and Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program Director at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, GA. He became a committed Christ follower during his fellowship and is sensitive to the power of the Gospel in training environments. He and his wife Elizabeth have three children. For further information or to contact Dr. Nuthalapaty, email him at fsn@nuthalapaty.net.