Life, Death, and the Hope of Christ: Dr. Gary Ott on the Ethics of Organ Donation
This week’s episode is a special cross-over with CMDA’s Voice of Advocacy podcast, hosted by Dr. Brick Lantz, CMDA’s Vice President of Advocacy and Bioethics. Joined by Dr. Gary Ott, a renowned cardiac transplant surgeon at Providence Heart and Vascular Clinic, they explore the ethical boundaries of life, death, and medical innovation – examining how we define death in the ICU era, the differences between brain death and donation after circulatory death (DCD), and how emerging technologies like “heart-in-a-box” systems and normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) are reshaping transplant medicine. With decades of experience and deep faith, Dr. Ott challenges us to uphold the sanctity of life and reflects on the Gospel image at the heart of transplantation – one life given so another may live.
If today’s conversation encouraged you, please share the episode with a colleague and follow Faith in Healthcare on social media to stay connected. Your support helps us grow this community so that we can continue to advocate for and equip healthcare professionals in all specialties to take Christ to all the earth.
November 5–6, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky take part in Saline Process Witness Training, a 10-hour interactive course designed to equip healthcare professionals and students to confidently live out their faith and be witnesses for Christ in clinical settings. Research shows that most patients want their healthcare providers to consider their spiritual needs, yet many clinicians feel unsure how to do so with sensitivity and respect. Through engaging teaching, discussion, and practical application, you’ll learn how to care for both the physical and spiritual well-being of your patients while honoring their values and your calling. Learn more or register for either event at cmda.org/events.
The Center for Advancing Healthcare Missions, or CAHM, represents the heartbeat of CMDA’s global mission. It exists to mobilize and support physicians, dentists, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals who want to use their skills to help people encounter Jesus, both here in the U.S. and around the world. As part of CMDA, CAHM is dedicated to developing new and innovative ways to advance healthcare missions, strengthen international healthcare partnerships, and serve those already living and working on the field for Christ. Learn more about how you can get involved at cmda.org/cahm.
Video Podcast:
Meet Our Guest(s):
Dr. Gary Ott is a cardiovascular surgeon at Providence Heart Clinic-Cardiovascular Surgery located in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Ott received his medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and has been in practice for more than 20 years. He is board certified in surgery, thoracic surgery, and critical care. His clinical specialties include cardiac surgery, heart transplantation and VAD surgery. Dr. Ott is passionate about patient care and has many positive reviews from patients and their families.
