As a cardiothoracic surgeon, I spend much of my life in the operating room, focused on the precise science of medicine. The work is technical, demanding, and often high-stakes. Yet throughout my career, I have never separated science from faith. For me, the practice of medicine is not only a technical endeavor but also a moral and spiritual calling. Faith and science are not opposing forces; they are complementary paths that guide us in caring for the whole person—body, mind, and soul.
Science as a Foundation
Medicine, at its core, relies on science. We study anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology to understand the human body and how to heal it. In cardiothoracic surgery, this knowledge is critical. Complex procedures like heart valve replacements, coronary bypass–,(spelled “coronary bypass”) and lung resections demand precision, skill, and deep understanding of the human body. Science provides the tools, techniques, and evidence that allow us to restore health and save lives.
I have always been fascinated by biology and medicine, even as a child. When my mother was critically ill during her pregnancy with my youngest brother, I promised myself that I would dedicate my life to helping the sick. That early calling guided my studies at Loyola Marymount University, UCLA School of Medicine, and throughout my surgical training. Science gave me the structure to fulfill that promise. It allowed me to see the body not as a mystery, but as a system that could be understood, repaired, and nurtured.
Faith as a Guiding Compass
While science provides knowledge, faith provides meaning. My Catholic upbringing instilled in me a profound respect for life and a commitment to serving others. I was taught that each person is a creation of God, deserving dignity and compassion. This perspective shapes every decision I make as a physician.
Faith reminds me that patients are more than a diagnosis or a procedure. They are human beings with fears, hopes, and families who love them. It is faith that allows me to see beyond the technical details of a surgery and recognize the person on the operating table, the spouse in the waiting room, and the child holding their parent’s hand. In trauma cases or other complex surgeries, these moments of human connection are as important as the surgical techniques themselves.
The Harmony of Faith and Science
Some people assume that faith and science are incompatible. In my experience, they are not. Science teaches us how to heal the body. Faith teaches us why healing matters and how to care for the person as a whole. In practice, these paths converge. When performing a high-risk surgery, I rely on my knowledge of anatomy, surgical techniques, and evidence-based medicine. Simultaneously, I pray for guidance, for steady hands, and for the well-being of the patient and their family. Faith does not replace skill; it complements it by fostering compassion, humility, and ethical clarity.
I have seen countless patients recover from conditions that once seemed hopeless. In each case, science provided the method, and faith provided the courage and hope that allowed both patient and family to endure. Science can restore function, but faith nurtures the spirit. Together, they form a holistic approach to healing.
Ethical Decision-Making
In modern medicine, ethical challenges are common. Questions about end-of-life care, informed consent, and experimental treatments require more than scientific knowledge. They require moral discernment and a commitment to the dignity of life. Faith offers a framework for navigating these decisions. It reminds us that life is sacred, that every patient is worthy of care, and that our role as physicians is to serve, not merely to treat symptoms.
During my career, I have encountered innumerable patients with complex conditions, often presenting after years of neglect or delayed treatment. These situations can test a physician’s patience and skill. Science equips us to manage the medical complexity, but faith encourages us to approach each patient with empathy, respect, and unwavering commitment. It is this integration of science and faith that ensures our decisions honor both medical excellence and human dignity.
Teaching the Next Generation
One of the most important ways to keep faith and science aligned is through education. In my Surgery 101 Technical Skills program, I teach students the practical skills of surgery first, followed by the anatomy, physiology, and principles that support those skills. I also emphasize ethical principles and the importance of seeing the patient as a complete person. Students learn that science provides the tools, but faith and compassion guide their application. By instilling these values early, we ensure that the next generation of physicians will not only be skilled but also moral and humane.
A Call for Integration
In today’s world, medicine faces many pressures—efficiency targets, insurance restrictions, and administrative burdens. These forces can sometimes lead physicians to focus narrowly on procedures or outcomes. Yet the integration of faith and science reminds us of our true mission. It encourages us to treat patients as more than bodies, to consider their emotional and spiritual needs, and to remember why we chose this vocation in the first place.
Faith and science are not opposing paths. They are complementary. Science gives us the knowledge and tools to heal. Faith gives us the wisdom, compassion, and moral clarity to care for the person. As physicians, we are called to embrace both, ensuring that medicine remains not only a technical endeavor but also a sacred trust.
In every patient encounter, in every surgical procedure, and in every lesson I teach, I strive to honor both paths. By doing so, we provide care that truly restores the human person, body and soul.