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Sense of Mission Behind Physician’s Giving
An Alumnus and Parent Believes in Bethel
By Patty Thomson
Early in life, Mitchell Duininck ’81 was drawn to medical missions
and the stories of medical missionaries. He came to Bethel with eyes
on medical school, and as a chemistry major with minors in math and
biology, he appreciated Bethel’s quality academics, particularly
in the sciences.
It’s that melding of quality and mission that motivates Duininck’s unusual medical career today, as well as his giving to Bethel University at the President’s Club level. (What is the President’s Club? See box below.)
“The [Bethel] professors believed in me and were supportive. At the same time, the academics took a lot of work, but it was an excellent education,” reflected Duininck. “I was surrounded by fellow believers, fellow students, looking for truth. I was encouraged to look at the needs of the world and discover what part God might have me play.”
Indeed, Duininck did just that during several short-term missions trips. After completing his medical education and practicing for a few years, he moved with his wife Leah and children to Ghana, West Africa, to serve in medical mission work there from 1999 to 2001.
Upon returning, the Lord led Duininck to his current position as director of the family medicine program of In His Image, a fully-accredited Christian residency program in family medicine. In His Image, based in Tulsa, Okla., is a unique program that recruits committed Christian physicians who will be encouraged to integrate their faith with the practice of medicine—“whole person” medicine that addresses the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs of a patient.
Residents in the program come from medical schools in the U.S. and abroad, spend three years in training before becoming board-certified, and eventually work in clinics, teaching hospitals, and mission organizations. During the training, residents use their medical expertise on mission trips or treat the local underserved population in need of care.
As director of In His Image’s residency program, Duininck has
taken part in overseas mission trips to Pakistan, Indonesia, India,
Romania, Africa, and Afghanistan.
After looking at a number of secular and Christian universities for their daughter Emily, the Duinincks chose Bethel primarily because of their high regard for its culture. Now, their son Andrew is a student here as well.
“At Bethel, there is a good balance between a strong Christian belief system and yet not being so rigid you can’t ask a question,” Duininck says. “It provided an open forum that allowed me to really evaluate my faith and make it personal. Bethel is not isolated from the world in which we live.”
Even as parents with tuition responsibilities, the Duinincks are generous donors. “When you’ve had a good experience [as a student] and believe in what an organization does, you give your finances toward it,” says Duininck. “Not only for your own kids, but to help an organization that is really affecting the world today—and its young people. You should put your treasure in what you believe in.”
What is the President’s Club?Many friends and alumni support Bethel financially each year. Donors who provide contributions amounting to at least $1,500 per year are recognized as members of the President’s Club. If you would like to increase your current level of support or learn more about the President’s Club, call the Office of Development at 651.635.8050. |
Medical Friends Event Scheduled for May 3Medical Friends of Bethel is hosting an evening with Mitch Duininck, M.D. on Saturday May 3, 2008, at 7 p.m. in the Bethel Seminary Chapel. Duininck, an ’81 graduate of the college, will speak about his experiences leading the In His Image residency program. The Medical Friends of Bethel would like to extend an invitation to physicians, dentists, veterinarians, and academics with an interest in medicine to attend this engaging time of fellowship and conversation with a physician who has a heart for global medicine and ministry. Please RSVP to Chris Nelson by email at christopher-nelson@bethel.edu or by phone, 651.635.8055. |