As physicians, we all have a critical role to play in addressing the growing crisis of maternal mortality both in Ohio and across the country. Alarmingly, maternal mortality rates have been on the rise, and in 2021, for the first time, mental health conditions became the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States. Every mother lost is not just a personal tragedy for her family but also a clear indicator of the gaps in our healthcare system. This is a call to action that demands collaboration, education, and advocacy across all specialties.

The latest CDC data reveals a maternal mortality rate of 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021, a sharp increase from previous years. The disparities are particularly troubling for Black women, who are 2.6 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women. In Ohio, similar trends emerge, with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders contributing significantly to maternal deaths. According to the Ohio Department of Health, nearly 60% of pregnancy-related deaths between 2017 and 2019 were preventable, with mental health factors playing a major role in many of these cases.

These statistics highlight an urgent need for all of us, regardless of specialty, to be part of the solution. Mental health conditions must be addressed by every provider involved in maternal care, whether you're an obstetrician, primary care physician, emergency care provider, or in another field. Mental health issues like postpartum depression, anxiety, and substance use cannot be overlooked, and early intervention is key. We must work together to ensure these conditions are identified and treated promptly, potentially saving lives.

Beyond education, advocacy is essential. We need to support policies that improve access to care, such as extending Medicaid coverage for postpartum care from 60 days to a full year. This policy has already shown promise in improving maternal health outcomes, especially for mental health services. Ohio has made progress in this area, but there is still much work to do at the state and federal levels. Mental health screenings should also be fully integrated into routine maternal healthcare. Just as we monitor vital signs, we need to make mental health assessments a standard part of prenatal and postpartum care, allowing for early detection and timely intervention.

Looking ahead, it’s clear that every physician has a vital role to play in reducing maternal mortality. By advocating for stronger healthcare policies, educating ourselves and our colleagues, and making mental health a priority in maternal care, we can prevent unnecessary tragedies. Every mother lost is not just a loss for her family, but a reminder of where our healthcare system needs to improve. Together, we can build a system that fully supports the mental and physical well-being of every mother, ensuring they receive the care they need before, during, and after childbirth.

Sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Maternal Mortality Data

• Ohio Department of Health, Maternal Mortality Review

I am honored and excited to step into the role of President of the Columbus Medical Association. For more than 20 years, I have been involved in the amazing work here at CMA (Columbus Medical Association), working as a physician volunteer at the Physicians CareConnection free clinic and participating as a CMA board member.

Since joining Riverside Hospital and OhioHealth in 1997, I have dedicated myself to the practice of clinical cardiology, with interests in advanced cardiac imaging, cardiac prevention, and heart disease in athletes. I have held many administrative positions at Ohiohealth, including System Chief of Cardiac Imaging. Most recently, I was also the President of the Ohio Chapter of the American College of Cardiology (ACC).

After so many years of working one-on-one with patients, I am excited that the CMA has provided an opportunity to contribute to the well being of our entire Central Ohio community.  As I take on this new role, I am inspired by the expertise and dedication of our members and teams at CMA. Together, we can address the evolving challenges in healthcare, advocate for ourselves, and our patients/clients, and support each other as professionals. My vision for the Columbus Medical Association is one of collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the health of our communities.

On a personal note, my family has lived in New Albany for many years, and I am an avid runner, cyclist, and golfer. I am also very proud that my two sons have decided to stay in the “family business” as physicians. Thus, I have both a personal and professional interest in the future of our health care community.

I look forward to working closely with all of you! Please email me if you have any thoughts, questions, or concerns about our robust organization. Thank you for your trust and support as we embark on this new journey together!  

Dr. Bernadette Anderson, a distinguished member of Columbus medical community, has recently released her groundbreaking book, "Fulfilled: 52 Prescriptions for Healing, Health, and Happiness." Dr. Anderson, who serves on the Columbus Medical Association board and holds the position of seventh district councilor at the Ohio State Medical Association, draws inspiration from her profound journey as a physician and the experiences of her Black patients to craft this transformative guide to wellness.

In a recent interview with Columbus Medical Association, Dr. Anderson shared insights into the motivation behind her book, highlighting her observations of Black women struggling with depression. She noted how these women often prioritize the needs of others over their own, leading to feelings of insignificance and neglect in their own lives. 

“So often we're told that we have to be strong for our community, for our family, and we put ourselves last and we're kind of drowning in our own lives and feeling insignificant in our own lives.” Dr. Anderson explains.

Dr. Anderson's deep empathy for her patients and her own experiences as a physician navigating the high-stress environment of medicine fueled her desire to create a resource that promotes self-care and healing.

“For a long time, I saw myself getting lost in saying, okay, [but] who's going to take care of me?” Dr. Anderson said. “So, when you read my book, you actually reading my own life lessons.”

"Fulfilled" is not just a collection of generic wellness advice; it is a testament to Dr. Anderson's personal journey of self-discovery and resilience. She emphasizes that the lessons contained within the book are "doctor-tested," derived from her own experiences of seeking balance and well-being while caring for others. Through her candid reflections and practical guidance, Dr. Anderson invites readers to embark on a journey of self-exploration and empowerment.

“These lessons are the ones that I use to not just survive in, you know, my in the field of medicine, but in my personal life.” Dr. Anderson emphasized.

The book comprises 52 prescriptions, each addressing a specific aspect of holistic wellness. From forgiveness and setting boundaries to nurturing the mind, body, and spirit, Dr. Anderson offers actionable strategies to cultivate health and happiness. One particularly resonant prescription is forgiveness, acknowledging the challenges of letting go of past hurts and embracing the present. Dr. Anderson shares her own struggles with forgiveness, underscoring the importance of acknowledging and processing emotions to achieve true healing.

As a physician herself, Dr. Anderson recognizes the unique demands and pressures faced by healthcare professionals. She believes that her book's lessons are universally applicable, offering valuable insights and strategies for physicians striving to balance their professional responsibilities with personal well-being. Dr. Anderson's multifaceted career, spanning public health, freelance writing, and clinical practice, enriches her perspective and informs her approach to wellness.

“As physicians, we want to take care of our patients to the best of our abilities. But we are still people, and we have families, and we have children.” Dr. Anderson mentioned.

Reflecting on her journey to medicine, Dr. Anderson emphasizes the importance of exploring one's passions and talents. Her unconventional path, transitioning from a desire to pursue acting to a career in medicine, underscores the significance of personal fulfillment and purpose. 

"Fulfilled: 52 Prescriptions for Healing, Health, and Happiness" stands as a testament to Dr. Bernadette Anderson's dedication to holistic wellness and her mission to empower individuals to prioritize self-care and embrace their innate potential for healing and happiness. Through her book, Dr. Anderson offers a guiding light for those navigating life's challenges, encouraging them to cultivate health and fulfillment in mind, body, and spirit.