We want to share a deeply personal story with you—one of sacrifice, faith, and unwavering commitment to both medicine and the Catholic Church. It is a story of what we call White Martyrdom—a term used in Christianity to describe a life of suffering and devotion to God without bloodshed. It is a way of “dying to the world” and its temptations, often marked by the loss of employment or worldly possessions for the sake of Christ. For Catholic healthcare professionals, White Martyrdom means facing silent persecution—being marginalized or forced to choose between their careers and their faith.
For nearly 20 years, a Catholic nurse practitioner—Rosario Smith—built a successful career at one of the most well-known clinics in Idaho. Patients would drive hours just to see her, and she cherished her role—helping people reach their optimal health was not just a job; it was a calling she had felt since childhood.
But there was one painful reality Rosario couldn’t ignore: she was not free to practice her faith openly. When she expressed her Catholic beliefs—when she asked not to be assigned to cases that conflicted with her faith, like prescribing contraception for minors—her requests were dismissed. She was subtly but unmistakably made to feel that perhaps this clinic was “not the best place” for someone like her.
After the overturn of Roe v. Wade, the tension only grew. While her employer remained silent, the hospital administration—who spoke on the clinic’s behalf—took a public stance that stood in direct opposition to her deeply held beliefs. Rosario found herself at a crossroads. She could continue in a comfortable, well-established career, or she could follow God’s call—wherever it would lead.
For years, Rosario prayed for guidance, asking God to illuminate the path He wanted her to walk. And then, in 2020, she found MyCatholicDoctor Foundation (MCDF)—a beacon of hope for Catholic clinicians. Founded by Dr. Kathleen Berchelmann in 2019, MCDF exists to fill the void in healthcare by providing medical care that aligns with Catholic principles. It not only serves patients but also protects its clinicians—allowing them to practice medicine without compromising their spiritual well-being.
In the fall of 2023, Rosario reached out to Dr. Berchelmann. She welcomed Rosario with open arms but also with clear expectations: to be part of MCDF, she must be a practicing Catholic, could not prescribe contraception for family planning, affirm gender transitions, or promote euthanasia—practices that violate Catholic teaching. Before making a final decision, Dr. Berchelmann asked Rosario to pray for God’s guidance.
Little did she know, Rosario had a pilgrimage scheduled that October—journeying through Italy, Croatia, and Bosnia with her parish. It was a time of deep, contemplative prayer. When she returned home, her heart was at peace. Just four weeks later, she emailed Dr. Berchelmann: she was ready.
In June 2024, Rosario officially opened her clinic with MyCatholicDoctor as one of their women’s healthcare providers. For the first time in her career, she could fully live out her calling—offering life-affirming care that honors both her medical training and Catholic faith. She now provides vital services to the people of Idaho, including infertility care consistent with Catholic teaching, Natural Family Planning in seven methods, Functional Medicine, Restorative Reproductive Medicine, and more.
But this mission cannot succeed without you.
When Catholic clinicians are pushed out of mainstream healthcare for living their faith, it doesn’t just affect them—it affects you. It means fewer options for life-affirming care, fewer doctors and nurses who share your values, and fewer places where you can trust that your medical treatment aligns with your Catholic beliefs.
This is why we need your support. MyCatholicDoctor relies on the generosity of people like you—faithful Catholics who want to ensure that both clinicians and patients have a place where faith and medicine work hand in hand.
Will you stand with us?
Please consider supporting our mission this Lenten season. Your prayers and donations help us continue offering compassionate, faith-filled care and give hope to clinicians facing their own White Martyrdom.
