Practice & Presence: A Gathering for Christians in Health Care

For Such a Time as This: Holding Peace in Medical Training and Practice

Speakers: Abraham Nussbaum, Danielle Ellis, Farr Curlin

After a century of consensus, medical education and training is undergoing many existential changes. In this conversation with a surgeon trainee and a career medical educator, we will discuss what has changed, what remains the same, and what Christians may hope for during medical training and practice. Together, we will develop a hope of holding peace in the training and practice of medicine.
 

From Soil to Clinic: A Conversation on Faith, Food, and Health

Speakers: Norbert Wilson, Victoria Yunez Behm, Matthew Whelan 

In a world marked by ecological degradation, hunger, and health disparities, how might Christian theology shape our understanding of food, creation care, and flourishing? This interdisciplinary panel explores the theological imperatives to feed the hungry, cultivate just food systems, and care for bodies and communities—especially those made vulnerable by inequity.
 

Practicing with Purpose: Hopeful and Faithful Witnesses in Health Care

Speakers: Emmy Yang, Harrison Hines, Mari Lowe, Jeff Baker 
Moderator: Brett McCarty

How are Christians to inhabit the strange world of health care in faithful, hopeful, and loving ways? From the centers of power to the margins of society, from the difficulties of training to the challenges of institutional leadership, these clinicians witness to the goodness of God as they practice in diverse contexts. 
 

We Belong to One Another: Friendship, Suffering, and the Work of Mental Health

Speakers: John Swinton & Warren Kinghorn

In a time of growing mental health crises and social disconnection, what does it mean to form Christian communities rooted in belonging–to one another and to the body of Christ? This plenary reflects on the Christian call to friendship amid suffering, exploring how hope, love, and bearing witness to the pain of another form the heart of faithful mental health care.

Friday, September 12, 2025

2:00 p.m. – Registration 

3:00 p.m. – Worship & Welcome

3:30 p.m. – Plenary 1: For Such a Time as This: Holding Peace in Medical Training and Practice 

4:45 p.m. – Break 

5:00 p.m. – Dinner & Fellowship

6:30 p.m. – Plenary 2: From Soil to Clinic: A Conversation on Faith, Food, and Health 

8:00 p.m. – Adjourn

Saturday, September 13, 2025

8:30 a.m. – Coffee & Light Breakfast

9:00 a.m. – Morning Prayer & Worship

9:15 a.m. – Plenary 3: Practicing with Purpose: Hopeful and Faithful Witnesses in Health Care

10:30 a.m. – Morning Break

11:00 a.m. – Breakout Session 1

12:00 p.m. – Lunch

1:15 p.m. – Breakout Session 2 

1:45 p.m. – Break

2:00 p.m. – Breakout Session 3

3:00 p.m. – Break

3:30 p.m. – Afternoon Prayer & Worship

3:45 p.m. – Plenary 4: We Belong to One Another: Friendship, Suffering, and the Work of Mental Health

5:00 p.m. – Adjourn

This agenda is subject to change. Updates will be reflected on this page as they are made. Check back often for updates.

Lodging at the JB Duke Hotel

This year, we have a limited number of rooms reserved at the JB Duke Hotel for Friday night, September 12th, 2025. Please contact the hotel directly to book a room in the Practice & Presence 2025 room block at the special contracted rate of $254 per night. Reservations can be made online or by calling the Hotel Reservations Department at 919-660-6400 (Group ID #1129531). If you wish to extend your stay, please call to make your reservation. Remember to mention Practice & Presence if calling to book. Bookings must be made by 5pm on August 13, 2025.

Cancellations

We know that sometimes, plans change. If you can no longer attend Practice & Presence, you may cancel your registration by emailing duketmc@div.duke.edu by 8/29/2025 for a full refund, less a $30 processing fee. Cancellations made on or after 9/1/2025 are non-refundable.