Rania Salah

Dually experienced clinical and public health researcher with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrates a strong initiative in exploring diverse research topics, as highlighted by independent study projects, and continually seeks new opportunities to advance knowledge and practice in the field. Passionate about health disparities, social determinants of health, environmental health impact, and preventative medicine.

• American Red Cross, Washington, D.C, 08/2022, 12/2022, Capstone project in collaboration with The American Red Cross (ARC) Outreach Team to inform efforts to expand and diversify the ARC volunteer base, Presented findings and delivered briefings to stakeholders via presentation and literature review.
• VOCAL KENYA, Nairobi, Kenya, 09/2021, 12/2021, Study abroad collaboration with the VOCAL KENYA decriminalization efforts team: speak with patients at methadone clinics about injection drug use harm-reduction measures; review historical and contemporary challenges, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to improve health equity and care standards.

RESEARCH PROJECTS

Stigmatizing Language in Medical Records: Developed a policy memo addressing the use of stigmatizing language in electronic health records (EHRs). Highlighted the influence of implicit biases on healthcare quality and proposed mandatory training for clinicians to enhance the accuracy and objectivity of patient documentation, aiming to mitigate health disparities.

Expanding Doula Curricula and Training in Virginia: Authored a memo advocating for the expansion of doula training programs to include modules on racial health disparities, implicit bias, and cultural competence. Proposed strategies to diversify the doula workforce, aligning with Virginia’s Healthy People 2030 goals to reduce maternal health inequities.

Syringe Exchange Programs in West Virginia: Proposed enhancements to harm-reduction services through syringe exchange programs. Suggested strategies to broaden awareness and support among key stakeholders and law enforcement, and to foster partnerships with community organizations to address the health crises among rural injection drug-users.

Opioid-Related Morbidity and Mortality: Formulated policy recommendations urging federal action to decriminalize drug paraphernalia and expand harm-reduction services. Advocated for the establishment of supervised consumption services and injection facilities to address the surge in opioid-related deaths.

Intersectionality and Health Outcomes in Black Women ("Where Misogynoir Lurks Behind The White Coat"): Explored the impacts of misogynoir within the medical industrial complex on health outcomes for Black women. Analyzed

historical and contemporary challenges, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to improve health equity and care standards.

Addressing Maternal Mortality in Alabama: Authored a policy memo addressing Alabama’s high maternal mortality rates, particularly among non-Hispanic Black women. Proposed evidence-based interventions including funding for doula services through Medicaid, enhanced screening for maternal health conditions, and expanded home visiting services for pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries.