Book Review: New Book Featuring Holy Role Models in Medicine

By Sr. Judith Jacobus, M.D.

CMA member and president of the Dr. Giuseppe Moscati Medical Guild of the Diocese of Erie, Dr. Jeffrey McGovern has effectively pulled together a very practical collection of holy role models that today’s health care providers should aspire to emulate.

The very readable text is introductory to be sure, but gives enough information that characteristics appealing to others shine through and make it very possible to see oneself eager to do better in one’s own life.

Dr. McGovern begins with a brief reading from Scripture, and then has researched and written a short history about each of the people he has chosen, followed by questions for reflection, and discussion with others (for those so inclined), and ending with a short prayer invoking the assistance of that holy person.    

Although I am not currently practicing medicine as I did for twenty years before answering the Lord’s call to religious life, I remember well how busy days (and nights!) could be, especially during the years when Obstetrics was part of my solo Family Practice that included both in-patient and out-patient medicine. An inspiring book such as Dr. McGovern’s introductory text of Holy and Medical Men and Women of the Catholic Church is a book I can see myself reading and taking to prayer even back then, in the time I was able to carve out to be before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Because each holy person’s write-up is generally six pages, and distinct from all others, reading a small portion daily would be a very doable plan. 

One of the excellent assets to this book is the pictures Dr. McGoven has chosen for each holy person. Some are well-known paintings now in public domain; others are icons, and still others, photographs. The persons chosen for his book span centuries of time. I believe that every reader will find several that will touch them personally and encourage them to read more.    

I see this book as a great gift for someone considering a medical profession, just accepted to medical school, or in residency training. Perhaps those celebrating a milestone in their career – ten years’ service in the same practice, for example, would be grateful to read about others who have cared for patients and successfully managed to assimilate their faith with their practice. Even those not directly involved in medical work could find inspiration from these holy people!  Perhaps a person who reads this and also has an interest in physicians-in-training will see it as a potential gift for the first fifteen (or more) who sign up for the CMA Boot Camp!  

Dr. McGovern is a pulmonologist practicing in Erie, PA, and is board-certified in Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine. His book was published in May 2026, and is available through Amazon as a paperback, hardcover or Kindle.

Sr. Judith Jacobus, M.D. is a Little Sister of the Poor based in Philadelphia, PA and is a CMA member.                                                            

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