Two residents of Catholic Charities’ Christopher Place Employment Academy in Baltimore describe their addiction recovery journey and the role faith and medicine play in wellness.

When Dr. J. William “Bill” Cook recently became the president of the St. Agnes Medical Group, he understood that he was tasked with leading a ministry that began more than 150 years ago. The medical group can trace its roots back to the work of the Daughters of Charity during the Civil War.

“You’re talking about women who gave up their whole life to take care of sick and poor people,” Cook said. “To take on that legacy is very humbling.”

A primary care physician with St. Agnes for 25 years, Cook said his faith is something he always falls back on. 

“I’ve spent more of my life being a Catholic than being a doctor,” he said.