Faith
Spiritual Fellowship
Supporting doctors and healthcare workers in integrating their Catholic faith with everyday medical practice, ethics, and patient care.
Faith • Love • Service
Inspiring Physicians, Healing Patients, Living the Faith in Medicine.
The Catholic Medical Association of Lubbock unites physicians, healthcare professionals, residents, and medical students across West Texas in upholding the dignity of the human person from conception to natural end.
Who We Are
The Catholic Medical Association in Lubbock
Forming a community of conscience, compassion, and professional excellence.
Mentorship
Student Formation
Walking alongside Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) medical, nursing, and pharmacy students facing modern ethical dilemmas.
Ethics
Defense of Human Life
Promoting Hippocratic medicine and defending the sacred dignity of every patient from conception to natural death in hospitals and clinics.
Photo Album
White Mass and Guild Photo Album
Spiritual Foundation
Prayer of the Catholic Physician
Bestowed by Pope Saint John Paul II • The Vatican, June 29, 2000
Lord Jesus,
Divine Physician, who in your earthly life showed special concern for those who suffer and entrusted to your disciples the ministry of healing, make us ever ready to alleviate the trials of our brethren. Make each one of us, aware of the great mission that is entrusted to him, strive always to be, in the performance of daily service, an instrument of your merciful love. Enlighten our minds, guide our hands, make our hearts diligent and compassionate. Ensure that in every patient we know how to discern the features of your divine Face.
You who are the Way, provide us with the gift of knowing how to imitate you every day as medical doctors not only of the body but of the whole person, helping those who are sick to tread with trust their own earthly path until the moment of their encounter with You.
You who are the Truth, provide us with the gift of wisdom and science in order to penetrate the mystery of the human person and their transcendent destiny as we draw near to them in order to discover the causes of their maladies and find suitable remedies.
You who are the Life, provide us with the gift of preaching and bearing witness to the 'Gospel of life' in our profession, committing ourselves to defending it always, from conception to its natural end, and to respect the dignity of every human being, and especially the dignity of the weakest and the most in need.
Make us O Lord, Good Samaritans, ready to welcome, treat, and console those we encounter in our work. Following the example of the holy medical doctors who have preceded us, help us to offer our generous contribution to the constant renewal of health care structures.
Bless our studies and our profession, enlighten our research and our teaching. Lastly, grant to us, having constantly loved and served You in our suffering brethren, that at the end of our earthly pilgrimage we may contemplate your glorious countenance and experience the joy of the encounter with You in your Kingdom of joy and everlasting peace. Amen.
History and Leadership
Catholic Medicine in West Texas Since 1997
Honoring the physicians who first gathered to establish the Lubbock CMA Guild.
Our Origins in Lubbock
In 1997, as the national organization transitioned from the National Federation of Catholic Physicians Guilds to the Catholic Medical Association, local physicians in Lubbock established the guild to provide camaraderie, bioethical guidance, and faithful witness across the healthcare institutions of the South Plains.
Under the leadership of clinicians including Dr. Kenneth E. Kruczek, Deacon Dr. Benny Phillips, and Dr. Gary Simmons, the guild established annual White Masses, patient referral directories, and student engagement with the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
Today, the Lubbock Guild continues this mission under the leadership of current president Dr. Karl G. Pankratz, M.D., uniting Catholic healthcare professionals across West Texas in faithful service to God and neighbor.
Guild President • Orthopedic Surgery
Dr. Karl G. Pankratz, M.D.
Current President of the Catholic Medical Association Lubbock Guild, leading regional clinical fellowship and student mentorship.
Guild Pioneer • Internal Medicine & Cardiology
Dr. Kenneth E. Kruczek, D.O.
Dedicated physician and advocate for ethical clinical care and guild fellowship in Lubbock.
Guild Pioneer • Deacon • Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dr. Benny Phillips, M.D.
Longtime champion of maternal health, natural procreative care, and the defense of human life.
Guild Pioneer • Interventional & Diagnostic Radiology
Dr. Gary Simmons, M.D.
Respected radiologist and clinical pioneer committed to faithful medical witness, ethics, and Catholic formation.
Find Care
Physician and Healthcare Directory
Connect with Catholic physicians, specialists, dentists, and allied healthcare professionals in Lubbock and surrounding counties.
Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine
Dr. Karl G. Pankratz, M.D.
Lubbock Sports Medicine & Rehab
Address: 4110 22nd Place, Lubbock, TX 79410
Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
Dr. Michal M. Pankratz, M.D.
Texas Tech Physicians of Lubbock
Address: 4004 82nd St, Ste. C, Lubbock, TX 79423
Internal Medicine & Cardiovascular Care
Dr. Kenneth E. Kruczek, D.O.
Lubbock Practice
Address: 3506 21st Street, Ste. 605, Lubbock, TX 79410
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dr. Christina Belle-Henry, M.D., FACOG
Women's Health Associates
Address: 5847 25th Street, Lubbock, TX 79407
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dr. Benny Phillips, M.D.
Lubbock Practice
Address: 3621 22nd Street, Lubbock, TX 79410
Interventional & Diagnostic Radiology
Dr. Gary Simmons, M.D.
Covenant Health • Lubbock Diagnostic Radiology
Address: 4005 24th St., Lubbock, TX 79410
Hematology & Medical Oncology
Dr. Nicholas C. D'Cunha, M.D.
UMC Cancer Center • TTUHSC
Address: 602 Indiana Ave., Lubbock, TX 79415
Orthopedic Surgery
Dr. Mark Scioli, M.D.
The Center for Orthopedic Surgery • UMC
Address: 4642 N. Loop 289, Ste. 101, Lubbock, TX 79416
Phone: (806) 797-4985
Adult & Pediatric Urology
Dr. Jorge R. Brothers, M.D.
Lubbock Urology Clinic
Address: 418 N. Utica Ave., Lubbock, TX 79416
Ophthalmology & Vitreoretinal Surgery
Dr. Michel J. Shami, M.D., FASRS
Texas Retina Associates
Address: 4517 98th St., Lubbock, TX 79424
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Dr. Jane M. Rowley, M.D.
Rowley Plastic Surgery
Address: 3519 22nd Place, Lubbock, TX 79410
Nephrology & Internal Medicine
Dr. Melvin E. Laski, M.D.
Texas Tech Physicians • TTUHSC
Address: 3601 4th St., Lubbock, TX 79430
Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
Dr. Bachar A. Al-Alami, M.D.
All About Kids Pediatrics
Address: 3813 22nd St., Ste. E, Lubbock, TX 79410
Internal Medicine
Dr. Mark Herrera Soriano, M.D.
UMC Physicians at Southwest Medical
Address: 4004 82nd St., Ste. F, Lubbock, TX 79423
Family & Community Medicine
Dr. Felix G. Morales, M.D.
Texas Tech Physicians • TTUHSC
Address: 3601 4th St., 1st Floor, Lubbock, TX 79430
Phone: (806) 743-2757
Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
Dr. Leopoldo A. Cabrera, M.D., FAAP
Lubbock Practice
Address: 5424 19th St., Ste. 200, Lubbock, TX 79407
Phone: (806) 722-4453
Family Medicine
Dr. Emily A. Deeb, M.D.
Lubbock Family Practice
Address: 4501 50th St., Ste. 100, Lubbock, TX 79414
Phone: (806) 785-0057
General & Laparoscopic Surgery
Dr. Sammy A. Deeb, M.D., FACS
Lubbock Surgical Practice • Covenant
Address: 3509 22nd St., Lubbock, TX 79410
Phone: (806) 799-7928
Adult & Pediatric Urology
Dr. Rex H. Reynolds, M.D.
Covenant Health • Covenant Urology Group
Address: 3612 23rd St., Lubbock, TX 79410
Phone: (806) 793-8787
Cardiovascular Disease & Preventative Medicine
Dr. Joseph A. Rizzo, M.D., FACC
Cardiologists of Lubbock • Quantum Wellness
Address: 4802 N. Loop 289, Lubbock, TX 79416
Phone: (806) 788-0040
Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology & Cardiology
Dr. Carlos Rizo-Patron, M.D.
Texas Physicians Group • Lubbock Heart Hospital
Address: 4642 N. Loop 289, Ste. 211, Lubbock, TX 79416
Phone: (806) 722-2161
Interventional Cardiology & Cardiovascular Disease
Dr. Roberto E. Solis, M.D., FACC
Cardiologists of Lubbock • Lubbock Heart Hospital
Address: 4802 N. Loop 289, Lubbock, TX 79416
Phone: (806) 788-0040
Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
Dr. Karen Talusan Soriano, M.D.
Covenant Health • Covenant Children's Hospital
Address: 9812 Slide Rd., Lubbock, TX 79424
Phone: (806) 725-8430
Pediatric Cardiology
Dr. Athos G. Colón-Ledee, M.D.
Athos Colón MD PA • Covenant Children's • TTUHSC
Address: 3602 23rd St., Lubbock, TX 79410
Phone: (806) 368-8723
Allergy & Immunology
Dr. Eileen Talusan-Garcia, M.D.
UMC Health System • UMC Physicians
Address: 7501 Quaker Ave., Lubbock, TX 79424
Phone: (806) 793-7257
Nephrology & Internal Medicine
Dr. Yvette C. Tomacruz, M.D.
Kidney & Blood Pressure Clinic • Covenant • UMC
Address: 1126 Slide Rd., Ste. 4B, Lubbock, TX 79416
Phone: (806) 793-8447
Radiation Oncology
Dr. Carlos P. Torres, M.D.
Radiation Oncology • Covenant • UMC
Address: 6102 82nd St., Ste. 5, Lubbock, TX 79424
Phone: (806) 771-0077
Anatomic & Clinical Pathology
Dr. Ruc M. Tran, M.D.
Department of Pathology • TTUHSC
Address: 3601 4th St., MS 8115, Lubbock, TX 79430
Phone: (806) 743-2155
Anesthesiology
Dr. Narayan L. Hegde, M.D.
Lubbock Medical District
Address: 3420 22nd Pl., Lubbock, TX 79410
Phone: (806) 725-1800
Family Medicine
Dr. Edward J. Leins, D.O.
Community Health Center of Lubbock
Address: 1610 5th St., Lubbock, TX 79401
Phone: (806) 765-2611
Family Medicine
Dr. Ricardo M. Rodriguez, M.D.
Lubbock State Supported Living Center
Address: 3401 N. University Ave., Lubbock, TX 79415
Phone: (806) 741-3620
Physician Assistant • Cardiology
David A. King, PA-C
Cardiovascular Care • Lubbock Practice
Address: 3514 21st St., Lubbock, TX 79410
Phone: (806) 725-1801
Registered Nurse • Clinical Care
Terry Kruczek, RN
Covenant Medical Center
Address: Lubbock, TX 79412
Dedicated guild supporter and healthcare professional
Registered Nurse • Supportive & Palliative Care
Morgan O'Brien, RN, CHPN, CEN
University Medical Center (UMC)
Address: 5808 Colgate St., Lubbock, TX 79416
Compassionate end-of-life care and patient advocacy
Registered Nurse • Clinical Care
Milagros R. Gatbonton, RN
University Medical Center (UMC)
Address: Lubbock, TX
Phone: (806) 775-9780
Registered Nurse • Cardiac Care
Karen Belco, BSN, RN, FHRS
Cardiac Electrophysiology & Arrhythmia Care
Address: 5407 70th St., Lubbock, TX 79424
Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society (FHRS)
Registered Nurse • Clinical Care
Teresita Rodriguez, RN
University Medical Center (UMC)
Address: Lubbock, TX
Phone: (806) 775-8300
Dental Medicine • Open Listing
Catholic Dentists
General Dentistry • Orthodontics • Oral Surgery
Do you practice dentistry in Lubbock or West Texas?
Join the Catholic Provider Directory →
Rehabilitation • Open Listing
Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapists
PT • OT • Speech • Mental Health Counseling
Catholic therapists serving patients across the South Plains.
Submit Your Practice Information →
TTUHSC Students & Residents
Medical & Nursing Students
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Connect with Catholic physician mentors, ethics guidance, and White Mass events.
Register for Guild Student Fellowship →
Allied Health • Open Listing
Medical Technologists & Clinical Staff
Radiology, Lab, Pharmacy & Clinical Personnel
All clinical personnel are invited to unite in Catholic healthcare witness.
Join Our Local Healthcare Network →Are you a Catholic physician, dentist, nurse, or therapist in Lubbock? Join the directory.
Submit Your Practice Listing
Gatherings and Liturgy
Guild Events and Traditions
Uniting for prayer, fellowship, and continuing formation.
Upcoming Social
Adult Prom
An evening of dinner, dancing, and community fellowship for healthcare professionals, physicians, spouses, and guild supporters.
Annual Liturgy
The White Mass
Celebrated annually for all healthcare personnel: doctors, nurses, technicians, residents, and medical students. White coats encouraged.
Past Gathering
Thanksgiving Dinner
A festive evening of gratitude, communal dinner, and fraternal fellowship bringing together Lubbock Catholic physicians, healthcare staff, and families.
Formation
Bioethics and Dinner Discussions
Evenings of discussion on end-of-life care, Catholic reproductive technology ethics, and conscience rights in modern medicine.
TTUHSC Outreach
Medical Student Mentorship
Connecting established Lubbock Catholic practitioners with TTUHSC medical students seeking faithful mentors in residency matching and bioethics.
Formation and Guidance
Catholic Bioethics and Formation Resources
Authoritative guidance, medical-moral scholarship, and educational media for healthcare practitioners.
Magisterial Guidelines
Ethical & Religious Directives (ERDs)
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) framework establishing moral principles and standards for Catholic healthcare facilities and individual clinicians.
Visit USCCB (usccb.org) →Consultation & Education
The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Provides 24/7 consultation for physicians, patients, and families facing complex end-of-life decisions, prenatal diagnoses, and reproductive medicine questions.
Visit NCBC (ncbcenter.org) →CMA Peer-Reviewed Journal
The Linacre Quarterly
The official journal of the Catholic Medical Association continuously published since 1932, exploring the intersection of authentic medicine, philosophy, theology, and bioethics.
Browse Linacre Articles →Clinical Podcast & Media
Doctor, Doctor Podcast
The official broadcast and video podcast of the Catholic Medical Association, breaking down modern medical topics, clinical dilemmas, and faith through practical physician interviews.
Watch & Listen to Doctor, Doctor →Trainees & Young Members
CMA Novus Medicus
Dedicated national network supporting medical students, residents, and young fellows with bootcamps, ethics mentorship, residency application guidance, and conference scholarships.
Novus Medicus Details →Conscience Protection
Conscience Defense in Medicine
National advocacy resources safeguarding freedom of conscience, religious liberty, and civil rights for Catholic healthcare providers in public and private institutions.
View Conscience Initiatives →
Get Involved
Join the Lubbock CMA Guild
Whether you are an active physician, retired clinician, nurse, dental practitioner, resident, or medical student, there is a place for you in our fellowship.
- Fellowship with like-minded Catholic healthcare colleagues
- Guidance on medical ethics and conscience protection
- Mentorship opportunities for healthcare students
- Inclusion in the local Catholic Provider Directory
- Affiliation with the National Catholic Medical Association (cathmed.org)
National Affiliation
The Catholic Medical Association is the largest association of Catholic physicians and healthcare professionals in North America. Visit cathmed.org for national conferences and journals.