Outstanding Catholic Doctor to be Honored

LOS ANGELES - Oct. 17, 2016 - PRLog -- Mission Doctors Association will recognize the work of Dr. Gina Lawson as the 2016 Catholic Doctor of the Year, with the "World of Difference Award" to be presented October 23, 2016, at the Los Angeles Archdiocese White Mass for Healthcare Professionals at the Cathedral of our Lady of the Angeles.

Having sent out more than 1,000 nominations nationally, the assignment of choosing one deserving physician among the many was challenging. These deserving doctors with diverse experience and involvement made it difficult to choose only one to recognize. Candidates included individuals working with indigent populations and the underserved in the United States, as well as doctors who have served as medical missionaries in countries around the world.

Several members of her community, including a local Pastor, a coworker, her husband and the Chaplin at St. Luke's Hospital, nominated Dr. Lawson for this award. Chaplin Jean Harrington, who has known Dr. Lawson for over 25 years, shared "I have observed her sitting with patients and family members, focusing intently on their concerns as though she has nowhere else she needs to be in that moment. Gina listens for her patients' spiritual concerns, she bring the healing presence of Jesus into the doctor-patient relationship, and she prays with patients when they are open to sharing prayer."

Dr. Gina Lawson is the Medical Director of the St. Luke's Transfer Team and the Medical Director of the Women's Center of St. Luke's Northland Hospital. In addition, to her faith-filled service, she serves as a Eucharistic Minister and brings Communion to the hospital. Dr. Lawson also participated in a short-term mission to Jamaica caring for the poor and marginalized in the mountain villages.

"Dr. Lawson lives her Catholic faith every day as she cares for her patients, as she serves as a Eucharistic Minister, and cares for the poor of her community", shared Mission Doctors, Executive Director, Elise Frederick. "Mission Doctors is honored to recognize the path she has chosen to serve as a witness to Gods' love for his children."

Mission Doctors Association, founded in 1959 to support the work of Catholic Doctors and their families serving in mission hospitals and clinics, welcomes the opportunity to recognize this outstanding physician. Executive Director, Elise Frederick noted "Catholic Doctors are called to action on behalf of our brothers and sisters around the world. This award is given in recognition of the efforts of one doctor who has responded to Christ's call to "Heal the Sick", as a member of our Catholic faith community and in doing so has made a "World of Difference".

Mission Doctors Association is grateful for the opportunity to share with others the selfless work of this outstanding Catholic Physician. For information on the White Mass for Healthcare Professionals, visit the web site: www.CatholicWM.org . For information on the work of Mission Doctors, please contact: Elise Frederick, Executive Director or visit the web site www.MissionDoctors.org.