I finally recognized that the negative medical experiences and obstetrical complications which my own sisters had reported to me over the years were not isolated events of racial discrimination, but part of a widespread pattern of devaluation of Black women.
Read MoreThe reason why Black women and other women of color are hesitant to trust an esthetician is simply lack of education. There are not enough resources readily available to us in the form of skincare education. Most of us either use drug store brand products that we were introduced to us as adolescents or use nothing more than regular soap and water.
Read MoreMonday morning, I dropped my partner off at work and took the 40 minute drive to the high risk ultrasound facility the nurses scheduled me to visit. I arrived 20 minutes early as suggested, only to be told at check-in that I needed prior authorization—I was distraught. I called my gynecologist’s office and they contacted the insurance company.
Read MoreI like to approach self-care from a model I coined as the "PEMSS" model - a holistic approach that is targeted for your specific needs when feeling burnout in these five areas: Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social and Spiritual.
Read MoreDue to the opioid epidemic in America, sickle cell patients are prejudged for abusing opioid pain medicine during sickle cell crisis, making that their main reason for coming to the ED. To add on to this judgment, many physicians believe that Black women can tolerate higher pain levels than anyone else, therefore, decreasing the need for medical attention.
Read MoreAs a family physician, I treat all types of diabetes, and even I was surprised when I heard my diagnosis of gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a temporary glucose intolerance that develops during the second or third trimester.
Read MoreI challenge us to think beyond our personal experiences. I pursued a career in public health for many reasons, with one of them being the belief that good health is a fundamental right for all persons. I am a firm believer in autonomy and in people being able to make their own decisions. I also believe that there are always instances that will challenge these notions, and population health is one of those.
Read More“P R E G N A N T” Appeared in the little box and I was in disbelief. I immediately knew I didn’t want it, and as someone who for years wanted a village of kids to sprout from my womb, I struggled to process the decision that lay ahead for me.
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