Connecting, Inspiring and Equipping Women in Healthcare: A Conversation with Drs. Rahkola & Ghezzi
In this episode of CMDA Matters, we’re joined by two incredible leaders from our Women Physicians and Dentists in Christ (WPDC) ministry. Dr. Sarah Rahkola, an internist and clinic medical director at Providence Medical Group specializing in geriatric care and substance use disorders, and Elisa M. Ghezzi, a geriatric dentist with 25 years of experience and a PhD in Epidemiology who teaches at the University of Michigan, share their powerful stories of faith and leadership.
Together, Dr.s Rahkola and Ghezzi reveal how they’ve answered God’s call to serve and equip women through WPDC, an outreach ministry of CMDA that provides resources for Christian physicians and dentists striving to integrate their personal, professional, and spiritual lives. From mentorship to overcoming the isolation and corporatization of medicine, Drs. Rahkola and Ghezzi offer insight and encouragement for women in healthcare seeking to live out their faith and purpose. Tune in to be inspired by their dedication and vision!
Now is the time to REGISTER for the 2025 CMDA National Convention! Over a thousand healthcare professionals from all over the country will gather to uphold truth and to enjoy heartfelt community together. You’ll see and hear from Ryan Bomberger at our special Saturday evening plenary session, and be inspired, I believe by his graphic media presentation. Register today at NATCON.CMDA.ORG.
Meet Our Guest(s):
Dr. Sarah Rahkola is an internal medicine physician with a special focus on geriatrics who has been involved in CMDA since 2001. Her clinical practice includes a focus on dementia and end of life care. She currently serves as medical staff president at her local hospital, treasurer and finance chair of the Oregon Chapter of the American College of Physicians, and is the current chair of the Women Physicians and Dentists in Christ commission of CMDA. She lives in Oregon with her husband of 25 years, Rauha, with whom she shares three children: Thomas, a sophomore at Biola University, James, a senior in high school headed to Biola next year, and Miriam, a freshman in high school.
Elisa M. Ghezzi, DDS, PhD practiced geriatric dentistry for 25 years providing dental care for residents of assisted living facilities in southeastern Michigan. She received her DDS (1995) from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, completed a General Practice Residency (1995-6) at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN, trained in a geriatric dentistry fellowship (1996-8) at UM, and obtained both an MS (2001) in Clinical Research Design and Statistical Analysis and a PhD (2005) in Epidemiology from UM School of Public Health. She has written and lectured extensively on the topic of oral health care for older adults and persons with dementia. Dr. Ghezzi has been a member of CMDA since 1991, has served as Resident Trustee (1997-98), and currently serves as Midwest Region Staff At-Large, a guide in the Mentoring Academy of the Mentoring Commission, and as Treasurer of the Women Physicians and Dentists in Christ Commission. Elisa has been married for 27 years to Steve, a pediatric dentist, and they have six children with their first grandchild arriving in May.
