Dr. Wes Ely, MD is a board certified physician and professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical School in Nashville, TN. He is a well-known speaker on the issue of end of life care and the immorality of physician assisted suicide and euthanasia especially in the ICU. His first talk discussed how physician assisted suicide is considered "compassionate care" which he debunked by describing the purpose of medicine and the doctor's role in healing and helping patients to die naturally in God's grace.

His second presentation of the day centered on care of the seriously ill and dying with a faith-based approach by caregivers, including pastoral care, nurses, physicians, and all involved. He discussed how faith-based care can bring meaning and purpose to a person who is at the end stage of life, which is what medicine should do especially in Catholic healthcare settings.

It was well attended and his first talk provided a secular grounding while the second emphasized how the faith can coincide with good quality medical care.

The Diocesan Healthcare Committee partnered with OSF in 2016 to offer a Healthcare Ethics Seminar.  The first session was held Friday, October 14 at Spalding Pastoral Center (419 NE Madison Avenue, Peoria).  The second session was held on Monday, November 2 in the Auditorium at OSF Gildford Square (698 Featherstone Road, Rockford)

Behavioral Health and Addiction
Birgitta Sujdak Mackiewicz, Ph.D., Director of Ethics at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center & Children’s Hospital of IL in Peoria and
Cheryl A. Crowe, MSN, Director of Behavioral Health for OSF Health Care System presented on Behavioral Health and Addiction.  They described clinical and organizational ethics issues present in the care of persons with behavioral health and addiction challenges, including their impact on caregivers, and how these can impact clinical practices.  Also discussed were current behavioral health resources available to support clinical practice as well as a glimpse of what is being put into place in the months to come.

Erica J. Laethem, BeL, Ph.D (cand.), Regional Director of Ethics at OSF HealthCare Northern Region & I-80 & Laura Petersen, JD, Corporate Counsel, Ministry Services at OSF HealthCare Peoria presented on POLST: Ethical and Legal Consideration and the recent changes to the actual State of Illinois form as well as cases that have raised for healthcare professionals questions about the appropriate response. The presenters addressed both ethical and legal concerns.

The Mercy of Christ and Mental Health: Clinical and Spiritual Care

On Thursday, November 5, 2015, the Diocese of Peoria Healthcare Committee hosted its Annual Diocesan Healthcare Day.  All were invited to attend this day that were dedicated to understanding the issues of mental and behavioral health, the care needed by those suffering from these illnesses, as well as God’s merciful love that is intertwined through the spiritual outreach.

The Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, DD, Bishop of Peoria provided a welcome and reflection on the Pope’s apostolic letter Misericordia Vultus, in preparation for the Year of Mercy. 

Dr. Steven Hamon, director of the Antioch Group in Peoria and a licensed psychologist for over 30 years, detailed the issues surrounding those with behavioral health issues and how to address them clinically. 

Msgr. Mark Merdian, the Bishop’s representative for Catholic healthcare in the Diocese, summarized and connected the theme of mercy and those suffering from behavioral health issues. 

The day concluded with a panel of experts guiding discussion and fielding questions from those in attendance.

Jump Trading Simulation and Education

Spalding Pastoral Center

Feature Speakers:
Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, CSC – Bishop of Peoria
Professor Richard Fehring, PhD, RN
NFP Physician Panal

• Natural Family Planning: Scientific & Spiritual Foundations
• Natural Family Planning: Special Circumstances, Marital Dynamics, & Medical Applications

Spalding Pastoral Center

Featured Speakers:
Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, CSC – Bishop of Peoria
Fr. William Grogan
Mr. James Geoly

• A Spiritual and Legal Analysis surrounding Catholic Medical Centers: Our Next Steps?

Spalding Pastoral Center, Peoria

Feature Speaker: Msgr. Jason Gray, STL, JCL
Mass with Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, CSC – Bishop of Peoria

• Healing in the New Testament: The Miracles of Jesus and Implications for the Church's Care of the Sick
• Go and Do Likewise: The New Testament Admonition in Catholic Hospitals

Spalding Pastoral Center

Featured Speakers:
Mrs. Diane Dunniway, DNP
Dr. William Toffler, MD

• Countering the Culture of Death: Challenges and Opportunities for Catholic Healthcare Professionals
• Emerging from the Darkness: One Doctor’s Journey Toward a Fully Catholic Practice
• Balanced Spirituality: Bridging the Gap between Church and Practice

Spalding Pastoral Center

Featured Speakers:
Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, DD - Bishop of Peoria
Reverend Daniel Mindling, OFM
Mr. Robert Gilligan

• The Theological Basis of Catholic Health Care and Its Application to End of Life Care & Decisions
• The Vatican Statement on Artificial Nutrition and Hydration of PVS Patients; Its Implications for those Involved in Medical and Pastoral Care
• Legislative Issues and Catholic Healthcare in the State of Illinois
• Legislative Issues and Sustaining Catholic Healthcare for the Future

Ashland House - Morton, IL

Featured Speakers:
Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, DD – Bishop of Peoria
Dr. Thomas Pitre
Dr. Byron Calhoun

• Assisted Nutrition and Hydration in the Persistent Vegetative State
• Palliative Sedation at the End of Life
• Perinatal Hospice

Ashland House - Morton, IL

Featured Speakers:
Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, DD - Bishop of Peoria
Sr. Renée Mirkes, OSF, PhD
Karla Polaschek, MD, FACOG
Paul W. Kortz, RN, BSN, CFCE, CFCP
Panal: Sr. Renée Mirkes, Mr. Joe Piccione, Fr. Mark Merdian, Dr. Gerald McShane, Dr. Greg Tudor & Lynn Grandon

• The Ethics of Infertility Treatment: An Upbeat Update
• NaPro Technology: Healthcare Women Really Need
• Practical Applications of Fertility Care Treatment: What Can Be Done