• FOR LIFE AND FAMILY

about Converging Roads

Where Health Care Ethics and Medicine Converge
Converging Roads is a regional conference series offering continuing education for health care professionals that equips them to practice the highest ethical and medical standards of their profession. To learn more about Converging Roads, click here.
  • Feedback from past attendees of Converging Roads:
    • "I’m so glad I attended. It was so insightful and gave me more knowledge on how to study more about human dignity, disabled persons and the correct way to explain our duty to others (as health care providers to our patients)."
    • "It is edifying to be with so many people trying to live their faith in a field that constantly challenges the truth."
    • "Thus far in my (nascent) career, my Catholic and medical identities have unfortunately been largely separate. I’m confident that the knowledge I obtained at Converging Roads and my subsequent reflection will serve me well on my path towards becoming the Catholic physician I’m striving to be."

REGISTRATION

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT

In-Person Ticket Options:
  • Physicians/Physician Assistants: $159
  • Nurses/Nurse Practitioners: $139
  • General Admission*: $85
  • Medical residents, clergy, or religious*: $75
  • Student Scholarship Rate**: $15
Online Ticket Options:
  • Online tickets include access to the livestream on Saturday, March 29, as well as additional access to the recordings (from noon ET on Sunday, March 30, to 11:59 pm ET on Wednesday, April 2).
 
  • Physicians/Physician Assistants: $129
  • Nurses/Nurse Practitioners: $109
  • General Admission*: $55
  • Medical residents, clergy, or religious*: $45
  • Student Scholarship Rate**: $0
 
  • *Not eligible for CME/CNE credits, however, Chaplain certificates of completion can be requested upon registration for continuing education purposes.
  • **Not eligible for CME/CNE credits.
Exhibitor Opportunities:
Includes 1 exhibitor booth and admission for 1 organizational representative  
  • Ministry/Non-Profit (including CME/CNE credits): $180
  • Ministry/Non-Profit (not including CME/CNE credits)*: $105
  • Vendor/For-Profit (including CME/CNE credits): $230
  • Vendor/For-Profit (not including CME/CNE credits)*: $155
 
  • *Not eligible for CME/CNE credits, however, Chaplain certificates of completion can be requested upon registration for continuing education purposes.
Sponsors:
  • If you and/or your organization is interested in joining our mission as a supporting sponsor, please click here for the Sponsorship Form. You can also submit the form online by clicking here.
 
  • For questions or more information, please contact the conference coordinator at [email protected].
Student Scholarships:
  • Undergraduate, graduate, nursing, and medical students are eligible to register for Converging Roads at the discounted rate above through the Dr. Mini Vettical Scholarship. If you are a student currently enrolled in classes and would like to attend the conference, please complete our student scholarship form prior to registering for the conference (click here).
 
  • If you are interested in providing a scholarship for a student to attend Converging Roads, you can do so at the time of registration or by clicking here.
Refund Information:
  • If you are no longer able to attend the conference, after purchasing your ticket, you may choose to transfer your registration fees to a student in need, or request a refund.
 
  • All refunds must be requested 2 weeks prior to the conference. The last day to request a refund is Friday, March 14. All refund requests made on or after March 15 will not be accepted, but the funds will automatically be transferred to a student in need. Please email [email protected] to transfer your registration or request a refund.

TOPICS

  • Human Dignity and the Ethics of Technology
  • Jeffrey P. Bishop, MD, PhD
  •  
  • Science and Ethics of In Vitro Fertilization
  • Jean Baric-Parker, D.Be
  •  
  • A Catholic Approach to Mental Health
  • Very Rev. James Patrick Burns, IVD, PhD, ABPP
  •  
  •  
  • Health Care, Artificial Intelligence, and Other Forms of Technology
  • Presenter TBA
  •  
  • Genetic Screening, Genetic Engineering, and Human Dignity
  • Caroline Aragón, MS, CGC
  •  
  • Technology and the Mental Health Crisis in Adolescents
  • Johann M D’Souza, PhD
  •  
  •  

SCHEDULE

7:30 AM
 Check-In Begins
8:00 AM
  • White Mass
9:15 AM
 Opening Remarks
9:25 - 10:25 AM
 Human Dignity and the Ethics of Technology
10:35 - 11:35 AM
 Science and Ethics of In Vitro Fertilization
11:35 AM
 Break
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
 Genetic Screening, Genetic Engineering, and Human Dignity
12:45 - 2:20 PM
 Hippocratic Oath Luncheon
1:15 -2:15 PM
 Health Care, Artificial Intelligence, and Other Forms of Technology
2:20 PM
 Break
2:40 - 3:40 PM
 A Catholic Approach to Mental Health
3:50 - 4:50 PM
 Technology and the Mental Health Crisis in Adolescents
4:50 PM
 Closing Remarks
5:00 - 5:45 PM
 Wine & Cheese Reception

Speakers

JEFFREY P. BISHOP, MD, PHD
Professor of Philosophy, Professor of Theological Studies & Tenet Endowed Chair in Bioethics at Saint Louis University

Jeffrey Paul Bishop is a philosopher, bioethicist, and the Tenet Endowed Chair of Health Care Ethics at Saint Louis University. The former director of the Albert Gnaegi Center for Health Care Ethics, he is most widely recognized and cited for work in medical ethics as relating to death and dying in addition to contributions in the field of medical humanities. Bishop is a physician, holds a Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Dallas and serves on the editorial boards of both the Journal of Medicine and Philosophy and the Journal of Christian Bioethics for Oxford University Press.

SUSIE SAENZ
Vice President of Operations, St. John Paul II Foundation

Susie Saenz is Vice President of Operations at the St. John Paul II Foundation where she oversees and supports the Conference team as they plan and execute Converging Roads and Together in Holiness conferences, along with the Together in Holiness Formation series Business Development team as they expand this initiative to parishes and schools across the country.  Susie earned her BS in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University and, prior to joining the St. John Paul II Foundation in 2017, worked at Baylor College of Medicine in the philanthropy and alumni relations office. She and her husband, Victor, are parishioners at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Houston, TX.

ABBOT PLACID SOLARI, O.S.B.
Chancellor, Belmont Abbey College

Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B., a native of Richmond, Virginia, was professed as a monk of Belmont Abbey in 1975. He was ordained in 1980 by The Most Reverend Michael Begley, Bishop of Charlotte. He served at St. Michael Church in Gastonia, NC, from 1979-1982, and has assisted in various pastoral and educational ministries in the Diocese of Charlotte. In November of 1999, Abbot Placid was elected the 8th Abbot of Belmont Abbey. Abbot Placid is the Chancellor of Belmont Abbey College, and has previously served the college as an assistant professor in the Theology Department, as Vice President for Academic Affairs, and as interim President. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Bellarmine College in Louisville, KY, in 1974. He earned the S.T.B. degree in Theology from the International Benedictine College of Sant’ Anselmo in Rome in 1978, and a doctorate in Theology and Patristic Sciences from the Pontifical Patristic Institute “Augustinianum,” also in Rome.

JOHANN M. D’SOUZA PHD
Founder & Clinical Psychologist, Values First Therapy, PLLC

Dr. Johann D’Souza is a clinical psychologist specializing in the science of anxiety and peak performance. His academic background, including a PhD and MA in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston (earned on a Presidential Fellowship), an MA from Boston University in Psychology, and a BA from the University of Dallas in Theology, combines scientific rigor and classical learning. With over 20 peer-reviewed articles, Dr. D’Souza’s research elucidates the profound psychological benefits of hope and optimism. He is a research affiliate at Harvard's Human Flourishing Program and the former head of coaching for OptimalWork. In addition, he hosts the Virtuous Leaders show, to highlight inspiring examples of moral and professional excellence. As the founder of Values First Therapy, Dr. D'Souza unites modern psychology and traditional family values. He specializes in helping individuals overcome anxiety, OCD, and distraction, drawing on the best of cognitive-behavior therapy. As a community volunteer, he has mentored adolescents in the area of technology and character development for 15 years.

JEAN BARIC-PARKER D.Be
Program Director, Graduate Certificate in Catholic Bioethics

Jean Baric-Parker, D. Be, is Program Director of the Graduate Certificate in Catholic Bioethics program at St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry in Rochester, NY, one of the few authentically Catholic bioethics programs in the U.S. There, she teaches the Catholic Bioethics at the Beginning of Life course, oversees curriculum development, and mentors students and adjunct faculty. Dr. Baric-Parker holds a doctorate in bioethics from Loyola University Chicago, with a concentration in research ethics, as well as advanced degrees in theology and dental public health. Her research focuses on ethical and social issues surrounding Assisted Reproductive Technologies, such as in vitro fertilization, and challenges to medical research involving human embryos, including ongoing debates about extending the 14-Day Rule. She serves on the Ethics Committee of the Catholic Medical Association and the Empire State Stem Cell Board and has been an adjunct editor and peer reviewer for the Linacre Quarterly, the nation’s longest-running bioethics journal. Dr. Baric-Parker’s work helps health professionals and students integrate Catholic teachings into real-world ethical challenges involving beginning-of-life care and research.

CAROLINE ARAGÓN MS, CGC
Certified & Licensed Genetic Counselor

Caroline Aragón, MS, CGC is a board certified and licensed genetic counselor who is dedicated to personalized, faithful, family focused genetics care. She currently provides telehealth genetic counseling care for a diverse range of genetic indications at MyCatholicDoctor. Caroline completed her undergraduate degree in biology from Hillsdale College. She went on to obtain her Masters in Genetic Counseling from the University of Minnesota and certification from the American Board of Genetic Counseling. She is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counseling and a member of the medical advisory board at Be Not Afraid, a non-profit organization that supports families following a prenatal diagnosis. Through genetic counseling and testing, Caroline provides integrative care that prioritizes informed decision making. Her goal is to help each patient understand their genes and how their genetic makeup can impact aspects of fertility, pregnancy, lifestyle health, and more. Her primary focus is helping patients and families understand and adapt to information about genetic risk or genetic diagnosis. Caroline also has experience in genetics model organism research at the basic science level, clinical study management, and patient advocacy. She uses this diverse expertise to help patients understand research findings, utilize appropriate clinical studies, and connect with support resources for themselves and their family.

VERY REV. JAMES BURNS IVD, PHD, ABPP
President & Professor of Psychology, St Mary’s University of Minnesota

Rev. James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., is the 14th president of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Previously serving as dean of Woods College of Advancing Studies at Boston College.  Father Burns holds an undergraduate degree in accounting and a master’s degree in counseling psychology, both from the University of St. Thomas; a master’s of divinity from the St Paul Seminary, and a doctorate in counseling psychology from Northeastern University. He completed pre-and post-doctoral fellowships at Yale School of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Boston University. He was an associate professor of psychology at the University of St. Thomas, Boston University and Boston College. While at Boston University his research explored the impact of spirituality and faith on the aging process, its moderating effects upon age-related declines as well as the traumatic impact of the sexual abuse crisis and church closings on the Catholic Church. He has written on morality and ethics in therapeutic settings, the effect of trauma and resilience on the developing brain, Thomistic ethics and leadership, and neurocognitive correlates of abuse and violence. He is incardinated in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

SPONSORS

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Chaplains
The National Association of Catholic Chaplains has approved this program for 6 Continuing Education Hours. Please select the General Admission or Clergy/Religious (if applicable) ticket option and request a certificate of completion on your registration form.

Social Workers and Counselors
If you are seeking Social Worker or Counselor continuing education credits, we can provide you with a certificate which states that you completed 6 hours.  Please select the General Admission ticket option and request a certificate of completion on your registration form. For questions, please email Conference Coordinator Jessie Sonnen at [email protected]

Venue

The Cathedral of Saint Patrick

1621 Dilworth Road East
Charlotte, NC 28203

For More Information:
Jessie Sonnen, Conference Coordinator
832.779.1070
[email protected]

CONTACT US

  • PHONE

    832.779.1070

  • PHYSICAL ADDRESS

    1177 W Loop South, Ste. 940
    Houston, TX 77027

  • MAILING ADDRESS

    P.O. Box 5927
    Katy, TX 77491

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