This activity allows for necessary conversation with a specific focus on Black women PAs and patients. Black women experience increased health disparities (e.g., infant mortality/morbidity, cardiovascular disease, neoplasm, psychological complications) secondary to elevated levels of discrimination stemming from gendered racism; the simultaneous intersection of racism and sexism. This activity introduces Sojourner syndrome and the “weathering” process described as the multilayered intersectional effects of race, gender, age, caste, stress, and social inequities on the lived experience of Black women and subsequent adverse health outcomes. Drawing on both seminal and recent research, the faculty offers conceptual frameworks and suggestions.

Learning Objectives

---

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:  

• Discuss active contributors that lead to adverse health outcomes in Black women in the U.S.
• Examine the Sojourner syndrome’s effects on lived experiences and mortality/morbidity outcomes in Black women in the U.S.
• Investigate the use of targeted conceptual frameworks to decease health disparities in Black women in the U.S.