Loma Linda Messages

8. The Training of Physicians and Nurses

Great care should be exercised in the training of young people for the medical missionary work; for the mind is molded by that which it receives and retains. Too much incomplete work has been done in the education given. The most useful education is that gained by study in connection with practical work. LLM 342.6

Our institutions are not to be so overgrown that the most important points in education do not receive the proper consideration. Instruction should be given in medical missionary work. The teachings given in medical lines should be blended with a study of the Bible. And physical training should not be neglected. LLM 343.1

Great care should be exercised in regard to the influences that prevail in the institution. The influences under which the nurses are placed will mold their character for eternity.—Unpublished MS. (MS. 115 '03). LLM 343.2

In every sanitarium established, preparation must be made to train young men and young women to be medical missionaries. The Lord will open the way before them as they go forth to work for Him.—Unpublished MS. (Letter 128, 1902). LLM 343.3

We must provide educational advantages in the different conferences.... All our medical workers must not receive the stamp of one man's mind. In different places, there should be sanitariums of a high order, where our young people can receive a thorough training. We are not to countenance the carrying on of sanitariums of an inferior order, in which incompetent instructors will do slipshod work and call it educational work. The instructors in our medical missionary training-schools must be picked men and women of ability. LLM 343.4

(To the question, “Should such an educational center be established in every one of our Union Conferences?” Sister White gave the following reply): In one sense yes. A beginning should (613) be made in every Conference, and these schools can gradually attain to perfection. In every Conference educational advantages should be provided for our young people.”—Unpublished MS. (Manuscript 169, 1902). LLM 343.5

All our denominational colleges and training-schools should make provision to give their students the education essential for evangelists and for Christian business men. The youth and those more advanced in years who fell it their duty to fit themselves for work requiring the passing of certain legal tests should be able to secure at our Union Conference training-schools all that is essential, without having to go to Battle Creek for their preparatory education.... LLM 343.6

If there are legal requirements making it necessary that medical students shall take certain preparatory course of study, let our colleges teach the required additional studies in a manner consistent with Christian education.... They should arrange to carry their students to the point of literary and scientific training that is necessary. Many of these requirements have been made because so much of the preparatory work done in ordinary schools is superficial. Let all our work be thorough, faithful, and true. LLM 343.7

In our training-schools, the Bible is to be made the basis of all education. And in the required studies, it is not necessary for our teachers to bring in the objectionable books that the Lord has instructed us not to use in our schools. From light that the Lord has given me, I know that our training-schools in various parts of the field should be placed in the most favorable position possible for qualifying our youth to meet the tests specified by State Laws regarding medical students. To this end the very best teaching talent should be secured that our schools may be brought up to the required standard.... LLM 343.8

Let me repeat: It is not necessary for so many of our youth to study medicine. But for those who should take medical studies our Union Conference training-schools should make ample (614) provision in facilities for preparatory education.—The Review and Herald, October 15, 1903. LLM 344.1

A great work is to be done in a short time, and God forbids that we should encourage so many of our youth to bind themselves up for three, or four, or six years training, before engaging in active work. Men and women should gain an education by working along practical lines in different places, in accordance with the light that God has given, and under the instruction of experienced leaders.—Unpub. MS. (Letter 178, 1903). LLM 344.2

Let not our young men be deterred from entering the ministry. There is danger that through glowing representations some will be drawn out of the path where God bids them walk. Some have been encouraged to take a course of study in medical lines, who ought to be preparing themselves to enter the ministry. The Lord calls for more men to labor in His vineyard.—The General Conference Daily Bulletin, March 2, 1899, Art. B. LLM 344.3

We have a work to do in securing the best talent, and in placing these workers in positions where they can educate other workers. Then when our sanitariums call for physicians, we shall have young men who, through their experience gained by practical work, have become fitted to bear responsibilities. We have failed, decidedly failed, in allowing so much to be done in one place. Everything is not to be brought under the control of one institution.—Unpublished MS. (Letter 190, 1903.) LLM 344.4

All who desire to enter the medical missionary work, and who are worthy should be given an opportunity to learn. Giving the common treatments to the sick will accomplish much, and will give opportunity to those who administer these hygienic treatments to labor with earnestness for the spiritual recovery of their patients. Let the hearts of all who are working along these lines be softened and subdued. Let the workers learn to consult the great Physician in prayer much more than they have done. Pray, watch, wait, believe.—Unpublished MS. (Letter 190, 1903.) LLM 344.5

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In training workers to care for the sick, let the minds of the students be impressed with the thought that their highest aim, should always be to look after the spiritual welfare of their patients. To this end they should learn to repeat the promises of God's word, and to offer fervent prayers daily, while preparing for service. Let them realize that they are always to keep the sweetening, sanctifying influence of the great Medical Missionary before their patients. If those who are suffering can be impressed with the fact that Christ is their sympathizing, compassionate Saviour, they will have rest of mind, which is so essential to the recovery of health.—Unpublished MS. (Letter 190, 1903.) LLM 344.6

In new places where schools are being set in operation, arrange to have a treatment-room or rooms connected with the school. Let this place be outside the main school building, so that the sick will be where it is quiet. Let those who are qualifying to teach, give lessons on treating the sick. Soon much permanent fruit will be gathered, in physical improvement and in spiritual advancement, which, combined will be of great advantage.—Unpublished MS. (Letter 190, 1903.) LLM 345.1

Over the medical missionary department, as well as over every other department of the school, there should be a head instructor to teach those under him. The beginning may be small. There may be only a few patients, but as the head instructor gives treatment to those, quite a number of students can look on to see how he does this work, and they can help him in many ways. Thus they will learn to do this kind of work themselves.—Unpublished MS. (Letter 190, 1903.) LLM 345.2

We must certainly arouse from our passive position along these lines. Much may be learned by visiting the hospitals. In these hospitals not a few of our young people should be learning to be successful medical missionaries in caring for the sick intelligently. Observation, and the practice of that which has been (616) learned, will result in consecrated youth becoming active, efficient medical missionary workers. But the surgical work must be done by faithful, skillful physicians.—Unpublished MS. (Letter 190, 1903.) LLM 345.3

Those who expect to become medical missionary workers must be thoroughly educated in Bible lines. They should have the very best spiritual advantages, in order that they may be fitted to teach and train others.—Unpublished MS. (Letter 178, 1903.) See also, Testimonies for the Church 8:163, 166. LLM 345.4

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