Multimorbidity in Black women living in Ontario
Living with multimorbidity has influenced Aging, Health and Well-being (AHWB) student Raquel Watkis (BSW '21, MSW '22) to dedicate her research to understanding how it affects Black women in Ontario, and ultimately, what changes are needed to increase the longevity of their lives.
Multimorbidity refers to having two or more chronic health issues at once, including both mental and physical conditions.
“I chose the AHWB program because I believe all people should be able to thrive instead of just exist,” says second-year student Watkis. “Thriving for me means successful aging across the life course, having access to preventative health resources, experiencing positive health outcomes and sustaining one’s well-being.”
She is currently using a secondary data set to sift through the details of Black women in Ontario with multimorbidity, finding if the data will be a good fit for her project.
“There are things happening in the Black community from a health perspective that are being overlooked, things that aren’t being tracked,” says Watkis. “Historically, Canada did not collect race-based health data, which creates a barrier for understanding how race, racism, health systems and health outcomes interact.”
Watkis explains that Black individuals are exposed to different chronic stressors that react with genetics that are then expressed in their health. “There are differences in how Black bodies respond to treatments. I’m looking to assess what clusters of health conditions or diseases are impacting Black women here in Ontario. Then, I can begin researching policy and practice changes and work towards better care.”
Registered social worker and psychotherapist
Watkis completed her undergraduate degree in life sciences, followed by a social services work diploma, a second degree in social work and a master of social work with a specialization in health before beginning her studies in AHWB.
“My education has been a journey of exploration and adaptation,” she says. “Pursuing a PhD in public health sciences gives me the space to combine my different perspectives.”
Currently working at Grand River Hospital, Watkis is a social worker and psychotherapist for both inpatient and outpatient medical units, where she treats people across several departments including but not limited to emergency, intensive care, neurorehabilitation and general medicine.
Watkis is also a team lead for the Grand River Black Health Professional Collective (GRBHPC), a newly formed group focused on providing race-based health literacy and programming to the Grand River Hospital, in addition to creating a strong support system and sense of community for staff. Watkis’ role as team lead includes being an advocate, raising awareness, offering research insight and engaging in health equity initiatives.
Not only is she working toward her PhD and balancing her multi-faceted role at Grand River Hospital, Watkis is also a teaching assistant for Waterloo’s School of Social Work and School of Public Health Sciences – and she is a mom of two.
Three “gems” for new grad students
For those considering graduate studies, or just starting out as a grad student, Watkis offers these three pieces of advice:
- There will always be someone who has a greater capacity to do what you can't. Give yourself grace and focus on being the best version of yourself.
- Get ahead. This gives you a buffer, especially if you have additional responsibilities such as being a parent or caregiver.
- Understand your “why.” When you are feeling defeated or overwhelmed – go back to your original purpose for why you’re doing this and remind yourself of your “why."