WED-037 - A Collaborative Pedagogical Approach to Creating a Maternal and Child Health Course at Spelman College

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Brief Abstract Summary: Discover Spelman College's pioneering approach to advancing Maternal and Child Health (MCH) education, crafted to address health disparities impacting Black women and underserved communities. Learn how a thorough needs assessment identified student-driven demands for a dedicated MCH course, resulting in the development of the first Maternal and Child Health course at Spelman, "Foundations of Maternal and Child Health: Prioritizing the Black Body," launching in Spring 2025. This interdisciplinary course was co-created with Spelman students and includes practical service learning, policy advocacy training, cultural competency, evidence-based research, and doula care training. Attendees will gain insights into how this model can be scaled across institutions, showcasing the transformative impact of inclusive, community-engaged education on healthcare leadership and equity in MCH.

Detailed abstract description: Maternal and child health is a critical study area that requires innovative research, policy, and practice approaches. Spelman College, a global leader in education for women of African descent, recognizes the importance of addressing maternal and child health disparities and empowering future healthcare leaders, particularly Black women, in this field. This presentation examines Spelman's innovative approach to advancing Maternal and Child Health (MCH) education to address health disparities affecting Black women and underserved communities. Through a robust needs assessment—including an on-campus community dialogue and survey—this study sought to identify the educational and professional development requirements of Spelman students interested in MCH. The findings underscore a significant demand for a dedicated MCH course informed by students across health science, psychology, chemistry, and mathematics disciplines. These students articulated the vital role of MCH education, citing the importance of representation in academia and advocacy: "The inclusion of these courses can help students like us to be seen. After all, we have seen many of these experiences firsthand and know a lot about." In response, the first Maternal and Child Health comprehensive course at Spelman, "Foundations of Maternal and Child Health: Prioritizing the Black Body," was co-developed with Spelman students and will be launched in Spring 2025. This course addresses the specific educational needs and experiences of Spelman students. It aims to cultivate a more informed and engaged body of future MCH professionals through an interdisciplinary and experiential learning approach. Key components of the course include (1) Service Learning and Practical Application, (2) Policy Analysis and Advocacy Training, (3) Cultural Competency and Patient-Centered Care, (4) Research and Evidence-Based Practice, and (5) Doula Care Training. This session will provide valuable insights into how Spelman College is responding to the demand for specialized MCH education through a collaborative, student-centered approach that bridges academic rigor with community-focused practice. Attendees will understand how this curriculum design can serve as a scalable model for other institutions, demonstrating the impact of inclusive and interdisciplinary education on future healthcare leaders' preparedness to address health disparities. This presentation highlights the potential of co-created, community-engaged curricula to enhance student learning. It underscores Spelman's commitment to shaping a healthcare workforce adept in advocacy, cultural competence, and policy engagement in MCH.