Michael & Linda McLaughlin

Michael grew up at West Side and his mother Grace is a faithful member. For many years he was the Western Regional Director of the Christian Medical and Dental Association, covering 15 states. Based in Portland, he is now the Northwest Regional Director and oversees the CMDA student groups on 10 healthcare campuses in Washington and Oregon. He meets regularly with each student group and stays connected with the doctors who volunteer as campus advisors. He writes, “As I meet one-on-one with campus advisors, I listen to them, their concerns about this new generation of mostly biblically illiterate, untrained and culturally immersed students, and their thoughts, plans and intentions as to how to guide them. These docs are my boots on the ground, my mentors for the students.”  

Michael organizes the annual CMDA West Coast Regional Conference at Cannon Beach each January. Last year there were 210 in attendance, healthcare professionals as well as 55 students and residents. Each year he holds 40 to 50 personal meetings with student leaders, campus advisors and physicians, where he says often the most meaningful ministry happens “whether through coaching, counseling, sharing resources, or simply listening and encouraging one another in faith and service.”