Dr. Sydney Ray is an AAPLOG board member and a first-year emergency medicine resident in San Antonio, Texas. She became involved with AAPLOG during medical school and has described her experience as “such a blessing.” Learn more about how AAPLOG influences and molds the next generation of medical professionals, her encouragement for residents and students, and why attending MBEC, AAPLOG’s national medical educational conference, is a life-changing experience.
How did you get involved with AAPLOG?
I attended Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine, which has a strong network of pro-life medical students. In my second year, I attended the Matthew Bulfin Educational Conference (MBEC), which is hosted by AAPLOG, and that was really my introduction to AAPLOG. It was such a blessing to be surrounded by encouragement and guidance on how to practice medicine in a pro-life setting. That experience helped connect me to the organization and showed me the value of having a community of physicians and students who share those convictions.
How has AAPLOG impacted your residency so far?
AAPLOG has been incredibly helpful during this transition. Beyond partnering with Seven Weeks Coffee, which was a great encouragement, AAPLOG provides educational resources that I can continually return to. Even though I’m not an OB-GYN, emergency medicine physicians regularly care for obstetric and gynecologic patients, and many of the issues where pro-life medicine comes into play are relevant in my field.
One of the things I especially appreciate is the research that AAPLOG provides. I’m in a university-based program where research is highly valued, and having evidence-based resources helps me engage thoughtfully with colleagues who may have different viewpoints. It allows me to stand by my convictions while also having informed, productive conversations.
Being involved with AAPLOG’s resident leadership has also given me access to experienced physicians who have navigated difficult situations themselves. While I haven’t faced many of those challenges yet, it’s reassuring to know that I have mentors and a strong network of support when those situations arise.
MBEC registration and scholarships will open soon. What is the biggest benefit of attending MBEC for students and residents?
The educational component is probably the most valuable aspect of MBEC. The networking and community are incredibly important because it helps you realize that you are not alone, but I would still put education first.
In medical school, there are many topics and perspectives that simply are not discussed. At MBEC, I was exposed to research, statistics, and outcomes that I had never heard presented before. I often found myself wondering, “Why was this never discussed in medical school?” Being exposed to information that isn’t commonly presented in today’s medical education environment broadened my perspective and strengthened my confidence in practicing evidence-based medicine consistent with my convictions.
MBEC also provides something that many medical students and residents rarely receive: education on conscience protections and legal considerations. Physicians are often not taught how to protect their conscience rights or navigate ethical challenges in practice. MBEC addresses those issues directly and equips attendees with practical knowledge that can serve them throughout their careers.
What word of encouragement would you give to fellow residents?
Don’t feel alone. You have a much larger network of support than you may realize. Sometimes, the environment around us can make it feel risky to speak up, but there are people who share your convictions, and there are protections in place for physicians. Stand firm in what you believe and don’t be afraid to advocate for what you know is right.
What encouragement would you offer to medical students as you look back now from residency?
I know this can be a scary time, especially as you approach residency applications and feel pressure to stand out while navigating controversial issues. My encouragement is to represent your beliefs from the very beginning and not hide who you are. The way you practice medicine should align with your conscience. If it does not, it becomes very difficult to practice medicine with integrity. Learning how to navigate challenges and remain true to your convictions during training will only prepare you to do so more effectively in your future career.
Any final thoughts for students and residents considering getting involved with AAPLOG?
Get involved with the Student and Resident Section. There is a place for you there. More importantly, there is a community and support system that can help you through the challenges of medical school and residency. Having people who understand what you are experiencing and who are willing to walk alongside you makes a tremendous difference throughout training.
To register, apply for scholarships (if you are a medical trainee), or learn more about MBEC, click HERE.
As Dr. Ray said, she’s an Emergency Medicine physician, but still has a place at AAPLOG. AAPLOG is proud to represent all life-affirming medical professionals, regardless of specialty. You can learn more about AAPLOG’s Emergency Medicine Subsection by contacting our EM Chair, Dr. Sean Hutzler, at sean@aaplog.org.
