Finding Common Ground for the Common Good: An Appeal for Innovative Collaboration between Faith- and Non-faith Based Organizations

Danielle Ellis; Tamara Fitzgerald

doi:10.15566/cjgh.v9i1.585

Danielle Ellis Massachusetts General Hospital https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7749-661X
Tamara Fitzgerald Duke University Hospitals Department of Surgery

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15566/cjgh.v9i1.585

Keywords: faith based organizations, humanitarianism, collaboration, global health

Abstract

Both faith-based organizations (FBOs) and non-faith-based organizations (NFBOs) make significant contributions to healthcare in low- and middle-income countries, particularly for patients with fewer economic resources. The perception that FBO and NFBO are dissimilar may contribute to there being insufficient interactions between them. But in fact, faith and humanitarianism are intimately and historically connected. As a byproduct, FBO and NFBO share both accomplishments and criticisms, including echoes of imperialism and lack of neutrality. A mutual interest approach could cultivate partnerships between FBO and NFBO, allowing them to pursue the common good of a healthier world without risking assimilation, isolation, or inauthenticity.

Author Biographies

Danielle Ellis, Massachusetts General Hospital

Danielle Ellis, MD, MTS, is a resident physician in General Surgery at the Massachusetts General Hospital and an alumna of the Theology, Medicine, and Culture fellowship at Duke Divinity School, where she obtained her Master of Theological Studies. She has a clinical and academic interest in global surgery, specifically focused on improving global surgical care through building relationships between faith- and non-faith-based organizations.

Tamara Fitzgerald, Duke University Hospitals Department of Surgery

Tamara Fitzgerald, MD, PhD, FACS, is an Associate Professor of Surgery and Global Health at Duke University. She has participated in surgical capacity building efforts in several low- and middle-income countries with both faith-based and non-faith-based organizations.

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