CMDA - Side By Side

About the organization

Member Organization

Being in a medical marriage brings with it a unique set of circumstances, which those outside of medicine cannot understand. But Side By Side does understand, and with chapters in over 90 communities across the world, women can connect, love and pray for each other, while encouraging one another in their personal relationships with Jesus Christ. Side By Side focuses on supporting, challenging and uplifting medical marriages to bring glory to Jesus, while positively impacting daily life and fostering deep relationships with each other, our husbands and our Lord. We are a CMDA ministry for women who are married to medical and dental students, residents, fellows, and staff physicians and dentists.

Side By Side began in 1988 in Rochester, Minnesota with six women meeting around a kitchen table. In 2003, with 150 women attending weekly, we felt the Lord leading us to share our model with others. The women of Side By Side come from different backgrounds, denominations, and are in varied stages of the medical life. Some members are physicians or dentists themselves. Each chapter ministers to the needs of its community. We invite you to join us on this journey, whether by visiting, joining, starting or praying for a local chapter of Side By Side.

Many women who come to Side By Side have never attended a Bible study before, while others may have been in Bible studies all their lives. The great thing is that it doesn't matter! We have found a common bond in the fact that we are all in a healthcare marriage and the journey is much more enjoyable when surrounded by companions. Side By Side has been a source of loving support, emotional bonding, prayer, delicious food and, of course, lots of laughter. It also assists women network in their new communities. But most important of all, through the ministry of Side By Side, the souls of many women, their children and their husbands have been won for Christ. It's an exciting place to be and we would love to have you join us!