In this episode of Conversations in Science and Faith, Dr. Jonathan Weinkle shared how healthcare providers can navigate this sacred profession. 

Dr. Weinkle is an internal medicine and pediatric physician at a community-focused clinic, chairs the Executive Committee of the Conference on Medicine and Religion, and has authored multiple books on seeing patients as people above all.

Dr. Weinkle shares how his Jewish faith shapes a deeply relational approach to care, becoming a rofeh-yedid, a doctor-friend, to the patient. We explore “micro-ethics” in medicine: the small, everyday choices that protect dignity, and how practices like mussar (character development) cultivate humility, patience, and presence with patients.

Finally, he addresses the importance of end-of-life care and language about death, cultural humility in planning, and importance of not abandoning patients as illness progresses.

Dr. Weinkle closes with advice for future clinicians: remember the “doctor in the patient,” treat lived experience as real data alongside lab data, and help bring soul and compassion back into modern medicine.

If you're a student, trainee, or clinician seeking practical ways to heal with scientific rigor and faith-based humility, these conversations are for you.
 

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On this episode of Conversations in Science and Faith I had the honor of speaking with Dr. Tyler Johnson, a Stanford oncologist, award winning educator, published writer, and host of The Doctor's Art podcast. We discussed how oncology in particular demand precision but also presence. Medicine can often feel totalizing and having a background in faith can help recenter the focus on the whole patient. 

Dr. Johnson discusses how to balance the "puzzle" of complex cases with the person in front of us, and the root behind why so many doctors experience burnout. He illustrates why simple rituals like "kneeling at the bedside" can ground us and how these habits can sustain purpose in training and beyond. 

If you're a student, trainee, or clinician seeking practical ways to heal with scientific rigor and faith based humility, this conversation is for you.

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In this episode I was honored to be joined by Dr. Debora Wallingford, a dedicated veterinarian whose love for animals began in her Nebraska hometown and led her to the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Wallingford shares how her faith, compassion, and commitment to service shape her work at the Cat and Dog Clinic of Bellevue. From mentoring young aspiring vets to finding meaning in the bond between humans and animals, this conversation explores the intersection of science, spirituality, and everyday care for creation. 

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Welcome to Conversations in Science and Faith! A series of conversations with scientists, healthcare leaders, and innovators, exploring the power of integrating faith, identity, and service into the world of science. 

I am your host Abbas Shakir and in this episode I was honored to be joined by Dr. Kasim Mookhtiar, a trailblazer in drug discovery with 40+ years of experience in both foundational and applied biochemical RnD. Dr. Mookhtiar is also practicing Dawoodi Bohra and credits his faith and spirituality as guiding forces in both his personal and professional life. Grounded in both science and faith, he believes in  harnessing innovation and emerging technologies to deliver meaningful and human-centered solutions.

Conversations in Science and Faith – Guest Nomination Form

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Host Abbas Shakir introduces the vision behind Conversations in Science and Faith - a series spotlighting researchers, physicians, and innovators who bridge the worlds of science, service, and spirituality. As a student passionate about both discovery and tradition, Abbas explores how faith and science can not only coexist, but enrich one another. In this opening episode, hear what inspired the podcast and what to expect in the episodes ahead. Follow along to get a deeper look at the people who live at the intersection of scientific knowledge and personal belief.

Conversations in Science and Faith – Guest Nomination Form

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