May 26 – June 6, 2024
A Program Designed with YOU in Mind!
Are you a healthcare worker serving cross-culturally? Join experienced colleagues to renew, refresh, and grow spiritually in your challenging life of service. MedRetreat is an eleven-day program specifically created for you, including your entire family.
Many of our staff members are experienced healthcare global workers themselves and understand your experience. All are fully trained, licensed, and ready to assist you and your family.
MedRetreat is led by Frauke (M.D.) and Charlie (Ph.D. psychologist) Schaefer, who have served many years overseas and have worked extensively with cross-cultural workers, including healthcare professionals. Their book, Trauma and Resilience, has been an excellent resource for many. Having been a global healthcare provider herself, Frauke is passionate about contributing to the health and wellness of global workers, coming alongside them in their strengths and challenges, which she has experienced firsthand. Charlie has lived in West Africa and has served global workers there in addition to Europe, Central Asia, East Asia, and the Middle East.
Jim Ritchie M.D. served as global worker in healthcare in Kenya and as a military physician during overseas conflict. He has served global workers from Europe, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa, and delights in helping healthcare missionaries thrive in their challenging calling.
Christian-Led Plenary Sessions and Counseling take place daily. Plenary sessions cover key topics that are critical to your journey. You will also engage in a process group in the morning and daily personal counseling sessions in the afternoon.
Your well-being and relationships matter. To benefit the most from this experience, we recommend fully unplugging from your practice and other commitments while you are here.
May 26 – June 6, 2024 –MedRetreat is held at Alongside’s 125-acre campus in southwest Michigan. Every aspect of the campus is designed to help you find restoration and renewal.
This retreat includes a full children’s program led by trained children’s staff that parallels what adults are learning.
Costs are inclusive of lodging, program, counseling, and materials. $4,300 per couple, $3,050 per single, $800 per child.
For additional inquiries please call (269) 447-2100, or email info@alongsidecares.net
Alongside’s MedRetreat is an eleven-day program designed specifically for healthcare professionals and their families who serve cross-culturally. In addition to daily plenary sessions on critical topics, process groups, and personal counseling sessions, MedRetreats offer plenty of opportunity to unplug, relax, and enjoy a beautiful environment.
Our counseling-centered retreat offers you a place to refocus, recharge, and be renewed. If you are a medical professional in a taxing cross-cultural working environment, MedRetreat will equip you with practices and skills that help you restore and maintain resilience. If you feel fatigued and unmotivated, you will find a restorative environment among people who really get you and will walk with you toward more joy and energy. If you feel stressed by the pressure of caring for unrelenting need, MedRetreat will help you discover what your body and soul need to rebound. If healthcare work is affecting your closest relationships and you find yourself reactive or numb, MedRetreat will help you find strategies to restore connections.
Alongside’s qualified staff are fully licensed and professionally trained, with many years of experience. They understand the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in cross-cultural settings and are prepared to help.
MedRetreats are led by Stan Haegert, M.D. (Family Medicine), who has more than 30 years practice experience in both the U.S. and in The Gambia, West Africa. Stan is a burnout survivor who is passionate about helping people thrive in challenging healthcare environments. Stan and his wife Deb are frequently asked to conduct training that promotes wellness among healthcare professionals.
Charlie (Ph.D. psychologist) and Frauke (M.D.) Schaefer complete the MedRetreat leadership team. They have served many years overseas and have worked extensively with cross-cultural workers, including healthcare professionals.
Cost: $3,900 for a couple, $2,750 for a single, $500 per child (children included in the Richland program only – see below).
March 6-17, 2022 – Fairhaven Ministries, Roan Mountain, TN https://fairhavenministries.net/
Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of east Tennessee, Fairhaven has 15 chalets and cottages in secluded settings that provide opportunity for rest and renewal. Note: this retreat does not include a children’s program.
July 24-August 4, 2022 – Richland, MI.
Alongside’s 125-acre campus, one of the most beautiful and relaxing pieces of property in Southwest Michigan, offers extensive forested hiking and biking trails. This retreat includes a full children’s program led by trained children’s staff that parallels what adults are learning.
