Dr. Sherella Cupid and Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell discussed the prevalence of uterine fibroids among Black women, the importance of community and knowledge sharing among Black women, and the need for early wellness investments and prioritizing one's health. Dr. Gillispie-Bell shared her journey into Obstetrics and Gynecology and her passion for educating and empowering women. Notably, she described her current season as planting seeds, focusing on spreading knowledge and awareness about fibroids and other health issues affecting women.
About Sista Veronica...
Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell is a Board-Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist and an Associate Professor at Ochsner Health in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is the Senior Site Lead and Section Head of Women’s Services at Ochsner Kenner, the Director of Quality for Women’s Services across the Ochsner Health System, and the Medical Director of the Minimally Invasive Center for the Treatment of Uterine Fibroids. Dr. Gillispie-Bell earned her medical degree from Meharry Medical College, completed her residency at Ochsner Health, and holds a Master of Applied Science in Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She also holds certification in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University. Known nationally for her expertise in managing heavy menstrual bleeding due to fibroids, she is highly skilled in advanced laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries in addition to her obstetric care.
As Medical Director of the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative and the Pregnancy Associated Mortality Review for the Louisiana Department of Health, Dr. Gillispie-Bell is a leading force in addressing maternal health disparities. Her work focuses on improving birth outcomes and eliminating racial disparities in maternal health across Louisiana. Dr. Gillispie Bell has testified before Congress, led congressional briefings, and was an invited speaker at The White House Maternal Health Day of Action, advocating for policy improvements in maternal care and outcomes.
Dr. Gillispie-Bell has held numerous leadership roles on both local and national platforms, and her clinical and advocacy work has earned her wide recognition. She has been quoted in national outlets such as USA Today and The New York Times. She has appeared as a featured speaker at the Essence Festival, on Good Morning America, CNBC, Scripps News, and the 1619 Project Docuseries.
Learn more about her clinical work at Ashner.org and her involvement in the Xavier Ochner College of Medicine.
OUR SISTA SHELF BOOK CLUB- Summer Book Club Announcement! We’re reading Caught Out There by Dr. Tahira Chloe Mahdi & Christopher A. Brown—a platonic comedy (yes, a "platon-com" 💐🎭) Our sistadoc Tahira will be in convo with us on June 25, 2025. Sis, sign up for the newsletter for the invite: podcast.mckissickhealth.com
ABOUT THE SHOW Discusses the journeys of Black women in various contexts and serves as a digital sister circle, a support group for and by Black women. We create community and conversation with the aim of thriving. Subscribe to the Lirae Journey mailing list at https://podcast.mckissickhealth.com. Follow the show on social media platforms at @liraejourney.
DISCLAIMER The topics, views, and opinions expressed on McKissick Health & Wellness are those of the speaker, host, and guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of McKissick Health & Wellness or any affiliated brand (One Choice Magazine, the Experience, or SFM Design Studio). Any tips, suggestions, or content provided by our speaker, host, and guest are their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. Read more https://bit.ly/MHPodNet
