“Innovative Approaches to Compassionate Healthcare – The Ministry of Mercy” is the theme for the 2026 medical conference presented by the Cleveland Guild of the Catholic Medical Association. The event will take place on Feb. 28 at St. Albert the Great Parish, 6667 Wallings Road, North Royalton.
The conference begins at 8 a.m. with Mass celebrated in the church by Bishop Edward Malesic. The program begins at 9:15 a.m. in the Parish Life Center. Healthcare professionals as well as the public are invited to attend. Breakfast and lunch are included.
Dr. Ron Sobecks, conference coordinator and longtime guild leader, said this year’s theme was chosen since innovation is essential in medicine to develop new therapies and approaches to help alleviate suffering and eradicate illness.
He said efforts to exercise compassion and to show mercy are essential. Innovative approaches of practicing such virtues in concert with medical technology advances offer hope for delivering the best care possible to patients and their families.
Five sessions are scheduled. The program will include the following speakers and topics:
9:15 a.m. – Dr. Jesse Felt will address “Arrhythmias of the Heart: A Parts Work Approach to Restoring Normal Rhythm.”
11 a.m. – Father Kazimierz Chwalek, MIC, will focus on “The Role of Sacraments in Healing and End-of-Life Care: Reconciliation, Eucharist and Anointing of the Sick.”
12:45 p.m. – Father Chwalek will discuss “Catholic Bioethics: The Role of Compassion and Mercy in Patient Care.”
1:30 p.m. – Jan Kosmyna will present “Until There’s a Cure: Providing Clinical Care, Ongoing Clinical Research and Essential Psychosocial and Spiritual Support for Persons Across the Globe Living with HIV.”
3:15 p.m. – Dr. Sobecks will talk about “Restoration of Health in Oncology.”
The conference will conclude at 4 p.m.
Cost is $45 for the day. Students can attend for free and a virtual option is available. The conference offers 5.25 hours of continuing medical education credits for medical professionals. Registration fee for those receiving the medical education credits is $200. Click here for more information or to register. For assistance with registration, contact Debra Sudy, 216-696-6525, Ext. 3670. Call 216-312-4172 for questions about the conference.