Historical Perspectives of the COS Bradley Farris MD
Historical Perspectives of the COS Bradley Farris, MD Michael Siatkowski, MD
The COS Idea • Dr. J Lawton Smith had attended the Christian Medical Foundation meeting, and was particularly impressed with the design of the meeting, and the leadership of its president, Dr. William Standish-Reed • The CMF was founded in 1963 by Dr. Reed. It terminated in 2008. • I also attended a CMF meeting in 1986, and spoke at the meeting in 1987. It was a great foundation for the COS.
The Founders-1977 • J Lawton Smith, MD (Miami) (died 2011, age 81) • Ron Seeley, MD (Tampa) • Robert Serros, MD (Orlando) • Curtis Benton, MD (Ft. Lauderdale) (died 2014 -age 94) • Interdenominational group of eye physicians and surgeons who confess that Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord • First meeting in Key Biscayne, Florida in 1977
The Founders Reason for the COS • An annual meeting that featuring a combination of excellent scientific papers as well as spiritual presentations, as doctors seem to be able to relate more closely with others of similar backgrounds.
Goals of the COS • Trying to develop unity in friendship among ophthalmologists in Christ • Encourage medical students, residents, and fellows in their walk with the Lord • Support other physicians’ faith in Christ regardless of denominational background • Meetings with an emphasis on the family so that all family members will feel at home and enjoy their surroundings • Develop new professional acquaintances and get to know the families of colleagues who love the Lord • Cooperate with and pray for missionary ophthalmologists • Pray for revival, particularly in medicine
BKF Presidency (1990 -2000) • Three young children, a new practice, and JLS says “your are ready, it’s your turn”- the very words I used towards Mike Siatkowsi 10 years later • There was no book on how to do it! • Finances were all handled by prayer and faith- it seemed to work • My board was JLS, Drs. Walter Parkerson, Al Thomas, Enoch Tsai, and later Mike Siatkowski • The COS was a tremendous blessing to me and my family • I learned to lead, and I learned to listen
RMS Presidency (2000 -2008) • “It was a tremendous honor” • “It was a calling, although I did not feel prepared” • “I was proud to incorporate the missions day, and going west of the Mississippi including Canada” • Mike also started the web site, and introduced the COS presence to the AAO, as well as ARVO • 40% of the meeting registrants over Mike’s tenure had never attended a meeting before • In spite of the stress involved, Mike encourages all to volunteer more to preserve the COS, considering it a labor of love and a calling • Mike was blessed to see so many lives changed, so many perfect speakers and talks • Mike learned to be more trusting, how to manage time, how to try and live His economy. He also learned how faithful He is always despite our failings, fear, and selfishness. • “I am a better man for having served”
Brad & Mike’s Memories • JLS felt that physicians were at particular risk spiritually due to their place in society, hours & stress • “There are plenty of great physicians, and plenty of great Christians, but few great Christian physicians” • The COS is the Lord’s, not ours • JLS loved to pray for the medical students, residents, and fellows on Friday nights at COS • JLS always prayed for the meeting daily, and fasted even when he could not come to COS • JLS felt testimonies and music were important to prepare the heart for the scientific meeting • JLS’s last meeting was Cleveland to see his hero, Dr. John Costin, get the JLS award
Names I Remember • Former JLS fellows: John Mc. Crary, Bob Tomsak, John Costin, Steve Galetta, Mike Siatkowski • Great talks: “JLS”, Don Gass, Dick Green, Al Biglan, Bert Souryal, David Tse, Jim Rowsey, Buddy Culbertson, John Shore, David Parke, Dick Forester, Jim Augsberger, Richard Parrish, Janet Davis, George Blankenship, and so many others… • Great friends: David Sloan, David Bishop, George Calhoun, Logan Brooks, Jim Lewis, Lee Helms, Stan Hand, Kent Medcalf, Walter Paschall, David Mc. Cartney, Bill Humphrey, Art Pellicane, Bill Smiddy, Bret Crumpton, and so many others…
The Scripture • Romans 1: 16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. ” • Hebrews 10: 25 – “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. ”
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