Healthcare is deeply personal, especially for Black women who often face unique challenges. Dr. Tosin Odunsi, a board-certified OB-GYN, sheds light on these issues, offering insights into how providers can foster trust and deliver care tailored to their patients' needs. Below, we unpack the key points from her discussion, focusing on building trust, the importance of inclusive research, and cultural competency.

Building Trust in the Exam Room

Historically, systemic racism has eroded trust in healthcare for many Black patients. For Dr. Odunsi, rebuilding this trust starts the moment she enters the room. Here's her approach:

• Observing Nonverbal Cues: She pays attention to whether a patient seems anxious or reserved, letting their demeanor guide the conversation.

• Personal Connection: Dr. Odunsi asks about her patients' lives—family, holidays, or past vacations—creating a rapport that goes beyond their chief complaint.

• Explaining Every Step: During physical exams, she ensures her patients know what to expect by explaining her actions and, when applicable, showing educational videos beforehand.

• Encouraging Questions: Periodic pauses during appointments invite patients to share concerns or ask questions, fostering a collaborative dynamic.

This thoughtful approach leaves patients feeling seen, safe, and empowered, which often improves adherence to medical recommendations.

The Role of Inclusive Research

One of the biggest challenges in Black women's healthcare is the lack of representation in medical research. When clinical trials exclude Black participants, it creates gaps in knowledge and care. Dr. Odunsi highlights this with an example from her practice:

• Hypertension in Pregnancy: Protocols for treating severe preeclampsia often start with labetalol, but Dr. Odunsi has found that hydralazine works better for her Black patients. This observation underscores the need for more inclusive studies to refine treatment protocols and improve outcomes.

By including Black patients in research, we can ensure that treatments, guidelines, and management strategies are effective for everyone.

Cultural Competency: A Game-Changer

Dr. Odunsi shares a powerful story from her training, where a patient labeled "difficult" wasn’t following weight-loss advice due to concerns about sweating out her hair. Once Dr. Odunsi addressed this culturally specific barrier, the patient became more open to exercising.

This story underscores the importance of:

• Asking "Why": Instead of labeling patients as "lazy" or "noncompliant," providers should dig deeper into the root causes of behavior.

• Respecting Cultural Norms: Understanding patients’ values and challenges can transform the provider-patient relationship.

Patients are more likely to follow care plans when they feel heard and respected.

Advocating for Yourself

Dr. Odunsi encourages Black women to speak up about their needs and experiences during medical visits. If your doctor doesn’t ask about obstacles you’re facing, don’t hesitate to share. Remember, your challenges are valid, and solutions might be as simple as starting a conversation.

A Call to Action

Dr. Odunsi’s approach reminds us that effective healthcare is a partnership. Providers must invest in cultural competence and ask the right questions, while patients should feel empowered to advocate for their needs.