by Jordan Foley, Student Public Relations Writer
As global health crises reveal deep physical and spiritual needs, Cedarville University is preparing future medical professionals to meet both — educating students to integrate faith with health care in ways that change lives.
A part of the educational process is for healthcare students to attend professional conferences and clinical experiences that pair professional excellence with gospel-centered compassion.
Global Missions Health Conference Prepares Students for Medical Missions
At the recent Global Missions Health Conference (GMHC) held in Louisville, Kentucky, over 70 students from Cedarville’s Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), pre-med and allied health programs joined the world’s largest gathering focused on international health care missions. The purpose of the conference is to equip attendees to use their medical skills for gospel impact.
Faith-Based Medical Education Highlights Global Impact
Through sessions and featured speakers, including addresses from Dr. Rick Donlon, CEO of Christian Community Health Fellowship, and Dr. Burton W. Lee, president and CEO of Medical Benevolence Foundation, the students heard 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 must participate in a medical missions trip before their fourth year in 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 envision services marked by skill, compassion and faith.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and 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 at cedarville.edu.
