Mary Ellen Wojtasiewicz joined the Department of Medical Humanities in 2004. She received her doctorate in Ethics and Society from Emory University in 2003 and her master’s in Religious Studies from Villanova University in 1991. She also holds bachelor’s degrees in Nursing and in English and Spanish from the University of New Mexico.

Dr. Wojtasiewicz’s dissertation, “Securing Care: Freedom and Fairness in the 20th Century American Health Care Debate,” traced the ways in which diverse moral commitments in American society were articulated and institutionalized in health care delivery and financing, and how themes of freedom and fairness were used in specific moments of health care reform debate. Her current research continues to trace the effects of social constructions of health and justice, particularly as evidenced in disparities in health and health care.

Prior to her academic appointment, Dr. Wojtasiewicz practiced for over twenty years in pediatric nursing, and served as Clinical Ethics Coordinator at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia from 2001-2004. At the Brody School of Medicine, Dr. Wojtasiewicz teaches in the M-1 and M-2 “Ethical and Social Issues in Medicine” courses. She also teaches Clinical Pediatrics in the School of Nursing, and Introductory Medical Ethics in the Physician Assistant Studies Program. Dr. Wojtasiewicz is also an active member of the Medical Ethics Committee at Pitt County Memorial Hospital.
 
email: wojtasiewiczm@ecu.edu