• 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

  • Navigating Moral Cooperation in Medicine
  • Sr. Michaela Serpa, FSE, MA, PharmD, BCPS
  •  
  • Religious Liberty of the Health Care Professional
  • Gwyneth Anne Spaeder, MD
  •  
  • The Well-Formed Conscience of the Health Care Professional
  • Robin L. Pierucci, MD, MA; Sr. Michaela Serpa, FSE, MA, PharmD, BCPS; and Nicholas A. Stephanoff, MD
  • A Catholic Response to the Mental Health Crisis
  • Anthony Isacco, PhD
  •  
  • Gender Dysphoria: Science, Ideology, and Ethics
  • Paul W. Hruz, MD, PhD
  •  
  • Approaching Gender Dysphoria with Compassion and Mercy
  • Paul W. Hruz, MD, PhD; Sr. Colleen Ann Nagle, FSE, LPC; and Gwyneth Anne Spaeder, MD
  •  

SCHEDULE

8:30 AM
 Check-In Begins
9:00 AM
 Opening Remarks
9:10 - 10:10 AM
 Navigating Moral Cooperation in Medicine
10:10 - 10:20 AM
 Break
10:20 - 11:20 AM
 Religious Liberty of the Health Care Professional
11:20 - 11:30 AM
 Break
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
 The Well-Formed Conscience of the Health Care Professional
12:30 -2:05 PM
 Hippocratic Oath Luncheon
1:00 - 2:00 PM
 A Catholic Response to the Mental Health Crisis
2:05 - 2:25 PM
 Break
2:25 - 3:25 PM
 Gender Dysphoria: Science, Ideology, and Ethics
3:25 - 3:35 PM
 Break
3:35 - 4:35 PM
 Approaching Gender Dysphoria with Compassion and Mercy
4:35 - 4:45 PM
 Closing Remarks
5:00 - 6:00 PM
 Vigil Mass
6:00 - 6:45 PM
 Wine & Cheese Reception

Speakers

ROBIN L. PIERUCCI, MD MA
Neonatologist and Medical Director

Dr. Robin Pierucci is Jewish convert to Catholicism, a wife, mother of three, and a practicing neonatologist. She also has a master’s degree in bioethics as well as completing the National Catholic Bioethics Center ethics certificate course. In addition to her full-time clinical duties within the NICU, Dr. Pierucci remains active in perinatal palliative care, as well as leading ongoing performance improvement projects for drug exposed infants and their families.  She has multiple publications in peer and non-peer reviewed journals and has spoken around the country on multiple perinatal and ethical topics.  Additionally, Dr. Pierucci has appeared on a number of programs aired on EWTN including, Women of Grace, The Journey Home, EWTN Live, and her documentary about in vitro fertilization.  She has been a member of the Catholic Medical Association for many years and has recently became an associate scholar with the Charlotte Lozier Institute and a board member of the American College of Pediatrics.

PAUL W. HRUZ, MD, PhD
Professor of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine

Paul W. Hruz is Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Associate Professor of Cellular Biology and Physiology at Washington University in St. Louis. Hruz received his Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry from Marquette University in 1987. As a member of the Medical Scientist Training Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin, he received his Ph.D. Degree in Biochemistry in 1993 and M.D. Degree in 1994. He completed Residency training in Pediatrics at the University of Washington in Seattle and a Pediatric Endocrinology fellowship at Washington University. Hruz served at the Chief of the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at Washington University from 2012-2017. He is a member of the University's Disorders of Sexual Development (DSD) Multidisciplinary Care Program. Hruz is board certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology. He has also received certification in Healthcare Ethics from the National Catholic Bioethics Center. He has authored over 60 peer-reviewed manuscripts, scientific reviews and book chapters.

GWYNETH ANNE SPAEDER, MD
Fellow, St. John Paul II Foundation

Gwyneth Anne Spaeder, MD, is a Fellow for the St. John Paul II Foundation and attended the University of Dallas where she graduated with a degree in Political Philosophy. She then attended The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, graduating in 2005. She is a Board-Certified Pediatrician and has practiced in both community ER and private practice settings. She completed a certificate in Health Care Ethics through the National Catholic Bioethics Center in 2015 and has published several articles pertaining to vaccine ethics. She also served as the guest editor for a NCBC Quarterly edition focused on Pediatric-specific issues. She is a recurrent presenter at Theology of the Body workshops for teens and for NFP/Marriage prep within the Diocese of Raleigh. She is a member of the Catholic Medical Association Triangle Guild. She lives in Wake Forest, NC with her husband and three children.

SR. MICHAELA SERPA, FSE, MA, PharmD, BCPS

Sister Michaela Serpa, FSE, MA, PharmD, BCPS is a clinical pharmacist licensed to practice pharmacy in four states, a board certified pharmacotherapy specialist, a member of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP), and the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) where she serves on the Ethics in Pharmacy Committee. Sister Michaela received her B.A. Psychology from Carroll College, Helena, MT, an M.A. Theology with emphasis in Bioethics from Holy Apostles College and Seminary, Cromwell, CT in conjunction with a certificate in bioethics from the National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC), and her PharmD from Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID. Sister Michaela was a member of the adult ethics committee at Yale-New Haven Hospital and the Hospital of St. Raphael, New Haven, CT for 12 years.

MOST REV. DAVID J. WALKOWIAK, JCD
Bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids

Most Rev. David J. Walkowiak, JCD, is the 12th Bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Cleveland in 1979. He was ordained and installed as Bishop of Grand Rapids on June 18, 2013, following his appointment by Pope Francis. He obtained his bachelors degree from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Divinity degree from Saint Mary Seminary, Cleveland, Ohio, and his licentiate and doctorate degrees in canon law from The Catholic University of America.

ANTHONY ISACCO, PhD
Fellow, St. John Paul II Foundation

Anthony Isacco, PhD, a Fellow for St. John Paul II Foundation, is a professor of Graduate Psychology at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA and Director of Training for the PsyD in Counseling Psychology program. He is a licensed psychologist in PA and authorized to provide telepsychology services in approximately 40 states.  He maintains a small private practice with a niche focus on the psychological assessment of clergy candidates to the Catholic Church.  Dr. Isacco has published widely through his books, popular press articles, and academic journals on the psychological health of seminarians, fatherhood, and the psychology of men and masculinity. He sits on the Advisory Board of Saint Paul Seminary, Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh and the Formation Team of Saint Cyril and Methodius Seminary, Pittsburgh Byzantine Eparchy, and Catholic Psychotherapy Association Board of Directors. He is a proud graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville (BA, '02), Boston College (MA, '04), and Loyola University Chicago (PhD, '09).  He is married to Celeste and has four daughters, Sophia, Claire, Gianna, and Monica.

SISTER COLLEEN ANN NAGLE, FSE, LPC
Executive Director, Franciscan Life Process Center

Raised in Wisconsin, Sister Colleen Ann Nagle, FSE, LPC, made Final Vows within the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist in 1981. Sister has a degree in Elementary Education, Viterbo College; she completed a Master's Degree in Counseling and Child Development at Michigan State University in 1985 and a Master's in Moral Theology at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in 2007. Sister Colleen Ann taught elementary grade school from 1971 to 1981. She directed the Life Process Center preschool 1981 - 1991. She was a clinician and directed the Franciscan Life Process Center 1991 - 2023, when she became its Executive Director.

NICHOLAS A. STEPHANOFF, MD
Family Doctor and Lifestyle Medicine Specialist, Corewell Health

Dr. Stephanoff is a family doctor and lifestyle medicine specialist at Corewell Health. He is a member of the Catholic Medical Association. Dr. Stephanoff earned his baccalaureate in bioelectrical engineering at Case Western Reserve University and medical degree at Wayne State University. Dr. Stephanoff has been practicing medicine since 2011, integrating faithfulness to the Catholic faith with healthcare work. He is a subscriber and fan of the Linacre Quarterly and Issues in Law and Medicine; additionally Dr. Stephanoff is a recent graduate of the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan. He has experience with difficult discussions about prescribing hormones, facing critical colleagues, mentoring conscientious students or residents, and navigating the conflicts that sometimes arise between healthcare providers, patients and employers.

SPONSORS

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Accreditation Statement
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA) and St John Paul II Foundation. Christian Medical & Dental Associations is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Physician Credit
The Christian Medical & Dental Associations designates this educational activity for a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Physician Assistant
AAPA accepts certificates of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ by an organization accredited by the ACCME or a recognized state medical society. Physician assistants may receive up to 6 credits for completing this activity.

Nurse Practitioner
The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP) accepts AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by the ACCME. Individuals are responsible for checking with the AANPCP for further guidelines. Nurse practitioners may receive up to 6 credits for completing this activity.

Nursing

This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by the Georgia Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Criteria for Successful Completion: Contact Hours awarded commensurate with participation and submission of completed participant evaluation form. Determination of credit is pending.

Click here for full CME/CNE details 

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 the conference coordinator at [email protected]

Venue

Aquinas College, Albertus Magnus Hall

1607 Fulton Street E
Grand Rapids, MI 49506

For More Information:
the 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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