Our Principles
PRINCIPLES OF PRACTICE
As an obstetrical and gynecological medical practice, the Tepeyac Family Center is guided by a commitment to combine the best of modern medicine with the healing presence of Jesus Christ, following the medical and moral teaching of the Catholic Church, particularly as enunciated by the theological construct of Pope John Paul II. This phrase from the mission statement of Tepeyac Family Center is carried out by following three guiding principles: we practice good medicine, we see the poor and we are faithful to the medical and moral teachings of the Catholic Church. This paper explains how Tepeyac Family Center implements these principles in the daily practice of medicine.
Life begins at conception and continues until natural death.
We use established “best practices” medical procedures to treat patients within the context of “doing no harm.” We understand that the provider is often the hand, mouth and ears of Christ. Since we are all made in the image and likeness of God, each staff member strives to see the “face of God” in every patient who enters into the practice. In the context of the above, we agree:
- To do nothing that would harm a patient or any child she is carrying.
- To not remove a healthy functioning organ for birth control purposes.
- To recognize a new human person in every pregnancy and thus treat any pregnancy as we would any other pregnancy, regardless of how it was caused; e.g., by rape or incest, by invitro fertilization, or outside of marriage.
- To consult with the other physicians in the practice as needed, especially regarding situations whereby any of the above become, either directly or indirectly, compromised. If medical or ethical questions arise, we consult with each other . We are colleagues in Christ. The experience of the other physicians at the Tepeyac Family Center, coupled with best medical practice, and prayer that avails oneself to the power of the Holy Spirit, is demanded from us in these most critical of medical situations. We always care for both patients when a mother is pregnant. Neither person takes precedence over the other. We never intend the direct killing of one person so another person may live. Both are cared for as long as possible, and then when medically needed, the disease is treated. Persons are never diseases.
- To recognize that there are situations whereby the "double effect" may take place, i.e., protecting the life of one person may have a significant effect on another.
COMMITMENT TO OUR PATIENTS
We do not discriminate in patient care, providing the same quality care to patients who have commercial insurance, those who have Medicaid/Medicare, and those who have no means of paying.
We welcome patients of all faiths, ages, national origin, and any other differentiating characteristics based on the capacity of the practice. Currently, between 20-25% of the patients at Tepeyac Family Center do not have commercial health insurance.