The Calling: A Memoir of Family, Faith, and the Future of Healthcare

by Christopher Chen, Gordon Chen, John C. Maxwell (Foreword)

A CT scan revealed Dr. James Chen, a Miami physician, had a cancerous, inoperable, tumor behind his nose. The prognosis was bleak. Dr. Chen had eight weeks to live.

Dr. Chen and his sons, Chris and Gordon, looked for a miracle. Chris was completing a cardiology fellowship. Gordon was finishing medical school. They knew what they were up against. Even still, they were shocked when a local oncologist told them, “The first available appointment is in six weeks.”

James and his sons were suddenly patients, forced to look at the healthcare system from the other end of the stethoscope. They didn’t like what they saw—expensive, uncoordinated, and ineffective care. At one point James asked his sons, “If a family of doctors with connections can’t navigate this system, what chance do my patients have?”

The Chens found their calling. Together with James’ wife Mary, Chris’s wife Stephanie (an attorney), and Gordon’s wife Jessica (another doctor) they created ChenMed, a physician-led company that serves the underserved­­. ChenMed puts their patients from forgotten communities first and focuses on accountable, compassionate care that improves health.

In The Calling , Chris and Gordon share how the family succeeded beyond their wildest expectations through a combination of determination, data, family, and faith. They turned what could have been a tragedy into an opportunity that will revolutionize healthcare delivery for years to come. The Calling will give you hope.

256 pages, Hardcover

Published August 16, 2022

Reviews

[Rachel Hope · Rating 2 out of 5]

I came to this book hoping to get a deep dive on value based care and how to foster a positive work culture. Chapter 7 was the most helpful in these regards. The rest of the book reads long a series of parables. Simple stories to demonstrate simple
truths. Not bad, just not the depth of insight and learning I was hoping for.

[Arden Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful reminder of how God can guide us throughout many challenges in our lives. A great testimony of faith and a very interesting backstory about ChenMed!

[Michael Wenig · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Initially, this book was not what I expected because the first several chapters told stories about Chris and Gordon Chen and A LOT of their experiences growing up. While not entirely a bore, it didn’t seem like it was heading into a direction to discuss how they were revolutionizing healthcare in America. It eventually got to that topic, and now that I’ve finished I can understand how important it is for the reader to know their personal/family history so that we can make sense of the values and passion that are woven into ChemMed.

This story is such an interesting intersection of American culture, Chinese culture, family, Christian faith and the western healthcare. It seems like ChenMed is doing good, counter-cultural work, and it really takes understanding some of the family history to grasp why and how this unique family has been able to build the business they have. I was genuinely encouraged by their focus and effort to truly serve the poor, elderly and sick populations they primarily serve.

[Brittany C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent insight into the foundation of ChenMed and how their family and faith serve as the foundation for the exemplary organization cares for their patients. I appreciated learning about the challenges they faced and how they turned these struggles into successes. Fascinating insight into the Chen family and an inspiring look at the impact of value based health care delivery.

[Karen Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and their system for healthcare!

[Melvin Kawas · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting vision of how to change the way medical services work in the world.