Q: Name of the Organization Host:
A: Duke Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Q: Project Mentors:
A: Sarahn M. Wheeler, MD, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Cambey Mikush, OTD, Assistant Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery
Q: Project title:
A: A Call to Transform Maternal Healthcare: Building in EDI Initiatives to Reduce Harmful Racial Biases; an Occupational Therapy Perspective. Although this is my capstone poster title, I will look further into pregnancy and employment while researching contextual factors that impact income and employment during high-risk pregnancies. I plan to intertwine these two very important subjects into my capstone experience.
Q: What do you think about the project so far?
A: I am truly thankful and excited to work on my capstone project as it closely relates to my passion for fighting racial injustices surrounding our healthcare system and daily lives. Having the opportunity to research the impacts of high-risk pregnancy, which disproportionately affects black women, on employment, income, and within our healthcare system allows me to gain insight into the ways I can push the field of occupational therapy forward to combat these barriers. I'm excited to learn from the great team Dr. Wheeler and Dr. Mikush have gathered for this capstone experience.
Q: What do you hope to learn/achieve through this project?
A: I hope to learn the impact of research and how to facilitate better opportunities for high-risk pregnancy parents in navigating employment and healthcare. I also hope this experience allows me to advocate for the field of occupational therapy and its importance to have a seat at the table to discuss these critical topics.