Pursuing Excellence in Health Care: Using Fourth-Century Wisdom to Transform Modern Medicine.

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Health Equity
• History of Medicine

Background:

• Current US healthcare excellence is primarily defined by research funding, innovation, and prestige.
• There is a growing global interest in addressing health disparities.
• This definition overlooks the needs of vulnerable populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reimagine the definition of "excellence" in healthcare.
• To explore alternative models of healthcare delivery centered on the poor and vulnerable.
• To offer new perspectives for healthcare institutions and practitioners.

Main Methods:

• Historical analysis of the first hospital founded by St. Basil of Caesarea.
• Examination of contemporary healthcare models inspired by liberation theology, specifically Paul Farmer's work.
• Conceptual exploration of "accompaniment" as a model of care.

Main Results:

• The study identifies St. Basil's hospital as an ancient model prioritizing holistic care for the marginalized.
• Paul Farmer's work exemplifies a contemporary approach centered on "accompaniment" and social justice.
• Both models challenge traditional metrics of healthcare success.

Conclusions:

• A renewed vision of healthcare excellence can be achieved by centering the needs of the poor and vulnerable.
• This shift necessitates social and personal transformation within healthcare systems.
• Academic medicine and surgery can adopt these models to pursue a more equitable form of excellence.