Mission Doctors Association is delighted to welcome Dr. Ann Marie Raffo as the new President of our Board of Directors. A physician with nearly 30 years of experience caring for women, Dr. Raffo also brings a heart already shaped by mission.
A Physician’s Heart
Dr. Raffo earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Agnes Scott College, a small women’s college in Georgia. She received her medical degree from the University of California, Irvine, where she also completed her residency training.
An OB/GYN, she has been in practice with Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group since 1997, serving patients in Orange County, California. “I have always found great fulfillment in helping others, particularly when it comes to their health and well-being,” she said.
Her faith, she says, has deepened along the way. “My faith continues to grow and deepen, especially through my involvement with MDA and the inspiring people who come together to serve others.”
From a Church Appeal to Uganda
Dr. Raffo’s journey with MDA began in the pews. After learning about the mission through a Mission Cooperative appeal at her church, she attended a Mission Doctors Retreat/Seminar, which inspired her to serve in Uganda for one month in 2017.
“I was drawn to MDA by the people involved, their strong Catholic faith, and their shared commitment to service,” she said.
When nominated and elected to the position of MDA’s Board President, Dr. Raffo accepted after prayerful consideration. “I see this role as an opportunity to help Catholic healthcare providers answer Christ’s call to heal the sick, in partnership with our generous supporters,” she said.
What the Mission Means to Her
For Dr. Raffo, sending Catholic healthcare providers to underserved communities is deeply personal. “We are called to love one another and care for our brothers and sisters in need, especially those who lack access to essential healthcare,” she said. “Sometimes that means providing medical treatment, and other times it simply means being present, offering comfort, and showing compassion.”
Through this work, she said, “we strive to follow the example of Christ, the Divine Physician, by bringing healing, hope, and love to those in need.”
“My hope is to increase awareness and visibility of Mission Doctors Association so that we can expand our reach and deepen our impact around the world,” she said.
Her priorities include:
- Expanding outreach and education about MDA’s mission
- Recruiting additional healthcare professionals to serve on medical missions
- Attracting broader support through financial contributions, partnerships, and organizational assistance
“I am excited to work collaboratively with our dedicated board members and staff to build on MDA’s strong foundation and help advance its mission for years to come.”
How You Can Take Part
Dr. Raffo wants every reader to know that this mission is not only for medical professionals. “Anyone with a heart for service and a desire to help those less fortunate can make a meaningful difference,” she said.
MDA offers Catholic medical professionals opportunities to serve through both short-term and long-term missions, and it provides training and education to local healthcare providers to help build sustainable healthcare resources.
There are many ways to join in:
- Pray for our Mission Doctors and their patients
- Share information about MDA with others
- Provide financial support
“Every contribution, whether through prayer, service, advocacy, or financial generosity, helps make our mission possible,” she said. “Ultimately, MDA is about putting our Catholic faith into action.”
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Raffo and in keeping her in your prayers as she begins this new role.