The Dance of Head and Heart

Marcus McCullough, MDiv ’10, Interfaith Chaplain, Baystate Medical Center (BMC) (Springfield, MA)

View more stories on HDS alumni and their career paths.

Describe the work you do today:

I work full time as a spiritual care provider (chaplain) at a level one trauma hospital in the third-largest Massachusetts city. I provide care for patients, families, and staff on intensive care and surgical units. My role includes providing calm and compassionate care for people at their sickest (and not-so-sickest) moments and assessing the spiritual health and resources of the patients. For instance, in conversation I attempt to learn if a spiritual community, or practice, or theme is helpful (or harmful) to the patient's experience and coping. Our business is one of making, or discovering, meaning in human experience. I work with many people who espouse religion, but also many who do not. My work involves crisis management, grief support, liturgical leadership, and more. I also enjoy working alongside some wonderful people who are very caring for those in need.

How has your HDS degree influenced your career journey?

Admittedly, I did not attend HDS with the intention of being a pastor or even a chaplain. (I sure did hate hospitals!) HDS gave me the experience, tools, and relationships I needed to have intellectual, as well as spiritual, community. HDS provided for me a safe intellectual space, and a safe spiritual space. It helped me to learn the value of answers, while also understanding that answers have limits. I can say, even to this day, that without the family experience of HDS, neither congregational nor hospital ministry would be happening for me. I had a dear professor tell me that I do well blending the head of a scholar and the heart of a pastor, and that I should continue in that vein. I believe (or, hope) I am living that as we speak, thanks in large part to my HDS experience.

What career advice would you offer to current HDS students?

I would recommend trying out as much as you can while at Harvard, including some of the more practical work that we don't always value and promote. Try working at a nonprofit; try working in a hospital (do some CPE!); try working as one in leadership; try working as one behind the scenes. Try to find something where your intellectual passion and gifts (it is Harvard, after all) intersect with other passions and gifts. I went to Harvard to strengthen my head, which I did; I needed help getting into my heart, though. I can say that I am now in a two-sided career where both head and heart dance together in a beautiful way. Find that sweet spot for yourself... dip yourself in the waters.

I am honored to be an alum of Harvard Divinity School, and I hope to continue a strong relationship with the school. I am happy to provide help to current or potential students, and to forge relationships with alumni. And just in case anybody asks, the class of 2010 is the greatest Harvard Divinity School class of all time... all time! To God I give glory and to HDS I give great thanks!