Black Women, White Coats: Black Women Undergraduate Students’ Persistence to Pursue Healthcare Careers

• In Event: Women in STEM Across Postsecondary Education Sectors

Abstract

In this participatory action research study, we examine how Black women undergraduate students develop, cultivate, and sustain their medical career aspirations, while examining challenges Black women undergraduate students experience during their pursuit of a medical career. Using Community Cultural Wealth to frame our study, we collected data via two interviews and participant-generated photographs. We found that student participants experienced multiple forms of oppression, financial challenges, and lack of access to academic resources, but they were able to persist through support from family, faculty, peers, along with faith-based practices and art. Reflecting participatory action research, our findings are informing the development of evidence-based interventions that address challenges discussed by participants. In addition, the study has implications for practice, teaching, and learning.

Authors

• Darris Roshawn Means, University of Pittsburgh

• Julie Dangremond Stanton

• Morgan Beckham, University of Georgia

• Roshaunda Lecole Breeden, University of Georgia - Athens

• Osaruese Idehen, University of Georgia - Athens

• Hayliegh Rose, University of Georgia - Athens

• Christin Walls, University of Georgia - Athens

• Brandon Marshall, The University of Arizona