During the week of Nov. 7, while most Americans were thinking about federal, state and local elections, Ascension President and Chief Executive Officer Anthony R. Tersigni, EdD, FACHE, was in Rome, fulfilling his service as President of the International Confederation of Catholic Health Care Institutions.
The group, which goes by the Italian abbreviation CIISAC, is a committee of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers. Its mandate is to participate actively in the mission of the Catholic Church in the promotion of health, healing, peace and reconciliation through the assistance and care of persons who are sick and suffering, with a special focus on persons who are poor and vulnerable.
On Nov. 8-9, Tony participated in a CIISAC-sponsored meeting of Catholic hospitals in Europe that culminated in a proposal to establish an ongoing European CIISAC group designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities of Catholic healthcare providers on that continent. During the meeting, Tony delivered an address on the impact of the economic crisis of 2007-2008 on Catholic healthcare providers in the United States, including Ascension.
Later in the week, the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers hosted its 31st International Conference. The gathering of healthcare leaders from around the world had as its theme, "Towards a Culture of Health that is Welcoming and Supportive at the Service of People with Rare and Neglected Pathologies" – addressing care for persons suffering from Ebola Virus Disease, leprosy, and other diseases and conditions.
In fall 2017, CIISAC will host its own World Congress in Rome, in conjunction with the Pontifical Council.
Photo caption:
Ascension President and Chief Executive Officer Anthony R. Tersigni, EdD, FACHE, speaks at the Vatican's meeting of European Catholic Healthcare Institutions. To Tony's left is Monsignor Jean Marie Mupendawatu, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers.
