Putting Expertise and Experience to Work

By Dyanne Tappin, MD, MPH, FACOG

As an African American ob-gyn physician, my experiences navigating both the medical field and society deeply inform my advocacy for justice, particularly in my special areas of interest in perinatal mental health and trauma-informed care. From my ob-gyn training, being aware of the disparities that exist in health care for minority communities, I understand that race, culture, and lived experiences significantly influence the mental health of patients, especially in the perinatal period. From my own lived experience, I understand firsthand that women in my own circle, family, and community face unique stressors related to systemic racism, economic challenges, and historical trauma, which can adversely affect their mental well-being during and after pregnancy.

My experience as an African American woman and as an ob-gyn allows me to blend my medical expertise with an understanding of the profound impact that cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed care can have on outcomes. I advocate for mental health screenings that are not only routine but also tailored to their narratives and their emotional needs and cultural backgrounds. This involves taking a holistic approach, where we recognize the importance of mental health as being just as essential as physical health in the perinatal period. I also champion the implementation of trauma-informed care practices that create safe, empowering spaces for patients to be heard and treated with dignity.

Through my work in clinical care, medical education, community collaboration, and research, I hope to continue to work to dismantle the stigmas surrounding perinatal mental health in minority racial and ethnic communities and ensure that all patients, especially those who have been historically underserved, receive compassionate care that acknowledges their full lived experience. I have a strong belief in using my position to advocate for education, policies, and systems that foster greater equity and access to mental health resources for pregnant and postpartum individuals.

As a physician and woman of color, my overall goal is to ensure that my work in obstetrics and gynecology, particularly in perinatal mental health and trauma-informed care, advocates for justice and healing for all women, particularly those in minority racial and ethnic communities.

Dyanne Tappin, MD, MPH, FACOG, is an assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Connecticut. She has practiced obstetrics and gynecology for a number of years and is excited to be back in the academic community where she can focus more on teaching, research, and community collaborations. 

The national theme for Black History Month 2025 is African Americans and Labor, highlighting how labor—from labor performed by slaves to the progress made during the Civil Rights movement to our current environment—has affected Black people throughout history and today. The work of Black people has contributed to every aspect of American life. To contribute a written or visual piece, email your submission and a headshot to [email protected].