As global health crises reveal deep physical and spiritual needs, Cedarville Universityis preparing future medical professionals to meet both —educatingstudents to integrate faith with health care in ways that change lives.

A part of the educational process is for healthcare studentsto attend professional conferences andclinical experiences that pair professional excellence with gospel-centered compassion.

Global Missions Health Conference Prepares Students for Medical Missions

At therecentGlobal Missions Health Conference (GMHC)heldin Louisville, Kentucky,over 70students fromCedarville’s Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.),pre-medandallied healthprograms joined the world’s largest gathering focused on international health care missions. Thepurpose of the conference is toequipattendees to use their medical skillsforgospelimpact.

Faith-Based Medical Education Highlights Global Impact

Through sessions and featured speakers, including addresses fromDr. Rick Donlon, CEO ofChristian Community Health Fellowship, and Dr. Burton W. Lee,president andCEO of Medical Benevolence Foundation,thestudentsheard from medical professionals serving communities around the world.

“The Global Missions Health Conference was an incredible opportunity for our students to witness how God weaves individual stories into His larger global mission,” said Sherry Weller, coordinator of practice experience and assessment. “Stepping outside the classroom encouraged them through a wider community of believers and helped them see how God may use their gifts for ministry.”

Training Christian Pharmacists and Medical Professionals for Global Ministry

As part of the Pharm.D. curriculum, students mustparticipatein a medicalmissionstrip before their fourth yearin the six-year program. The GMHC helps them begin discerning where the Lord may be calling them — both as students and future pharmacists.

For attendee Megan Ellis, a first-year Pharm.D. student from Williamsburg, Ohio, the GMHC reinforced the importance of caring for both physical and spiritual needs.

“In one session, a provider shared that 50% to 90% of patients desire spiritual care,” Ellis said. “As a future pharmacist, I want to care for my patients holistically, addressing their physical needs and spiritual well-being. It reminds Christians in health care that we are equipped to share the gospel appropriately and respectfully.”

By connecting students with potential preceptors and mission organizations, the GMHC opens doors for those considering medical missions and helps them envisionservicesmarked by skill,compassionand faith.

About Cedarville University

Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offersundergraduateandgraduateresidential and online programs across arts,sciencesand professional fields.With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates.Learn more atcedarville.edu.