"I first met Mark Topazian when we shared a room in a Muslim family's home after the fall of the Albanian dictatorship that had made God illegal for a generation. He has worked most of his career as a Mayo Clinic physician and has more recently served in healthcare ministry in Ethiopia. I bring this up to focus on his authenticity and authority to speak for both science and faith. He has done so beautifully in this biblically grounded, scientifically accurate work that guides us and compels us to seek the wonderful wholeness that God has planned for us and those we serve."

-Al Weir, author of When Your Doctor Has Bad News and former president of the Christian Medical and Dental Associations

"Mark Topazian's book does accomplish its purpose. His honest and forthright accounts of patient encounters and a search for spiritual meaning in our work did indeed fan the flames of my own passion to practice nursing as ministry. There are reflection and application exercises at the end of each chapter to personalize learning. Dr. Topazian makes us feel it is okay to struggle, to doubt, to embrace our calling, and to use our faith as a resource to combat fatigue and burnout. This book is a breath of fresh air for all those called to ministry in healthcare."

-Kristen L. Mauk, professor and associate dean of graduate studies and research at Colorado Christian University and coeditor of Nursing as Ministry

"Globally, training in the healthcare disciplines typically excludes the acknowledgement of God as Creator, source of all wisdom, and the ultimate healer. In Healing Purpose, Mark Topazian uses his personal experience, numerous references, and biblical truth to fill this gap in our understanding and practice of medical science. He provides a sound context for those who desire to practice their noble professions to their full potential in promoting health and caring for the sick, in the way God intended."

-Keith Michael, CEO of Healthcare Christian Fellowship International

"Those of us who work in healthcare have an incredible opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Jesus when we bring hope and healing to our patients, but it's not always easy to do so when we are confronted with overwhelming suffering and crushed under heavy workloads. This book examines the many challenges that faithful practitioners face and provides practical guidance on how to overcome them."

-Matthew Loftus, author and family physician at PCEA Chogoria Hospital in Kenya

"Dr. Mark Topazian weaves together powerful clinical stories, biblical accounts, and evidence-based research to insightfully describe the need we all have to receive holistic care. He gives us concise and accessible ways to integrate Christian faith into our daily work in healthcare. From practicing repentance and lament to praying with patients, Dr. Topazian offers practical next steps for those seeking to discover deeper meaning and purpose in their work. I am excited to share this book with healthcare students, faculty, and professionals!"

-Renee Nicholas, national director of InterVarsity Graduate Healthcare Ministries

"Healing Purpose provides much-needed insight and awareness regarding the importance of addressing our patients and ourselves as whole beings—mind, body, and spirit. Too often, we feel unprepared to assess and address the spiritual needs of others. We close off these parts of ourselves as burnout and compassion fatigue take hold. This book fills in the gaps and provides a primer for balanced, whole-person care. It sees each of us for all that we are."

-Christy Secor, director and spiritual formation and prayer specialist for the Nurses Christian Fellowship

"God has graciously gifted me with a longtime friendship and fellowship with Dr. Mark Topazian. In these pages, Mark conveys a biblical understanding of God's purpose for healing the sick, garnered from decades of patient care as a Christ-follower in academic medicine. Medicine has been a powerful tool in his life as a gastroenterologist to introduce patients to a healing God. Mark reminds us that all healing is the result of God's common grace, and we, as healthcare professionals, are ministers of that common grace. We have daily opportunities to point patients and their families to the author and sustainer of shalom in our own lives and the lives of those entrusted to our care. Mark also reminds us that restoring whole health to patients (i.e., body, soul, and spirit) brings some of the greatest joy to a healthcare professional's life. Because this is true, we must do a better job equipping the next generation of Christian healthcare professionals to address this holistic care. Healing Purpose is a book that I would urge every Christian medical or dental trainee (student, resident, or fellow) in the US or around the globe to read before they graduate or start their practice."

-Mike Chupp, CEO of the Christian Medical and Dental Associations