Annual Educational Conference

“Tradition: Ever Ancient, Ever New”

Conference Chair: Anthony Oliva, M.D.

The goal is to recapture some of the ways medicine had been practiced in earlier times with its focus on the individual and a greater reliance on the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Presentations will examine different models for practicing medicine, educating medical students and caring for dying patients. Human flourishing, and the timely topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and medicine will also be covered. The conference culminates with the Banquet keynote address delivered by Sister Deirdre Byrne, M.D., POSC, retired US Army Colonel and General Surgeon.

Over the past century, medicine has evolved technologically with the development of precise diagnostic testing, innovative surgical techniques, lifesaving medications and efficient ways of recording, storing and sharing information.

 These advancements have provided tremendous benefits to humanity by decreasing mortality and extending life expectancy as well as improving our quality of life and our ability to live with chronic medical problems.

 Unfortunately, as we have progressed, we have also regressed in many ways. We have forgotten who we are and why we are here. In many of our best medical institutions, God has been either suppressed or outright expelled. Contraception, IVF, abortion, euthanasia and modern mainstream approaches to gender dysphoria are the most blatant examples of what happens when God is removed from the practice of medicine. Sadly, health care delivery today in many ways resembles a factory assembly line or a conveyer belt. Individualized patient care has been sacrificed for efficiency and cost minimization. 

The 2025 conference is entrusted under the patronage of St. Joseph, St. Teresa of Avila, Pope St. Pius X, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Pio of Pietrelcina and St. John Marie Vianney.

2025 Conference Promotional Video

200 West 12th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
816-421-6800

CMA Room Block rate
Junior or Premiere Suites $179.00

Must reserve by August 11th (Registration Fees Not Included)

Sponsor, Exhibitor and Advertiser Opportunities

Student Reflections

“The CMA conference: forging new friendships and igniting fires in souls for over 85 years! I feel encouraged to brings Christ with me as I step back into the world. He will be my Lamp, and I will be His hands.”
Anne-Marie Carpenter

“This conference affirmed my vocation as a Catholic PA by inspiring a sense of urgency to join with my fellow healthcare professionals to serve, heal, learn, and evangelize, but I also felt Jesus knock at the door of my heart to remind me that within this larger call, I am still a unique and beloved daughter of the King meant to love and be loved by Christ.”
– Hannah Wilson

“The CMA conference gave me the beautiful stories and advice of passionate Catholic physicians, many new friends and reunions with old friends, and a deepening of faith which strengthens me for the challenges of each day.”
– Martin Brown

“I do not practice the Catholic faith, but I wanted to reflect by saying I left the conference with eyes a little wider, open to alternative viewpoints and perspectives present in the health care field that I am eager to carry with me into my journey to being a future physician. I was touched by the loving and enriching atmosphere and really appreciated the opportunity to attend, though only for an hour!“
– Tejasvi Peesay

“The conference inspires, challenges, and motivates me anew to grow in my faith and strive for professional excellence.”
– Anna Purzycka

“’Look Mother, I make all things new.’ Walking into the hospital early Monday morning with the first hints of the sun’s rays on the far horizon, I was tired and drowsy and behind on articles I needed to read over the weekend. That softening of the horizon, however, was reflective of the hope cultivated in my heart from my weekend at the Educational Conference of the Catholic Medical Association. This was no surprise when for the past five days I was blessed with time with the Real Presence of the Lord in Eucharistic adoration, meals and conversations with genuine physicians living the Gospel, and presentations throughout the days drawing me closer to practicing medicine in the manner of the Divine Physician. Even in the darkness of the night that seems ever present in the practice of modern medicine, the Lord worked through my time at the conference to nurture in me that saving hope, those rays of the sun, that reminder that he is indeed, in me and in the world, making all things news. Thank you to the Catholic Medical Association.”
Michael Barkowski