Research on Postpartum Care as an Undergraduate Student - Undergraduate Research Project: 6 Points
This fall semester, 2025, I have continued my undergraduate research with Dr. Mara Horwitz, focusing on improving postpartum care for women who experience high blood pressure during pregnancy. Our project explores how a patient navigation program can help new mothers transition more smoothly from pregnancy care to primary care. Many women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy face challenges in receiving the follow-up care they need, which can increase their risk for long-term heart disease. Our goal is to identify and address those barriers to make postpartum care more accessible and supportive. Through interviews with patients and healthcare staff, we found that personalization, logistics, and timing are key factors in improving care. Personalization involves understanding each patient’s unique background and experiences, while logistics and timing highlight challenges such as transportation, scheduling, and coordinating appointments. We also learned that having a navigator who is empathetic, approachable, and trustworthy helps patients feel seen and cared for during a vulnerable time. This research has strengthened my passion for maternal health and helping women receive the care they deserve. It has also shown me the value of patient-centered research in addressing health disparities. I am excited to continue this work and will be presenting our findings at the American Heart Association’s Annual Scientific Sessions in early November.
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