Growing up in a bustling suburb of Denver, Colo., Maria Duodu never heard the term “maternity care desert” until she began studying pharmacy at Ohio Northern University.
Now, she is collaborating with Natalie DiPietro Mager, PharmD, Ph.D., professor of pharmacy practice, on research into the role that pharmacists can play in reducing the rising maternal death rates across the country.
Maria was thrilled when Dr. DiPietro approached her about helping with the project. “I had always wanted to do research,” she said. “ONU professors are really open to giving students these opportunities to work with them and explore new things.”
The March of Dimes defines a maternity care desert as any county in the U.S. that does not have a hospital or birth center offering obstetric care and without any obstetric providers. Hardin County (where ONU is located) is a maternity care desert, and ONU’s Raabe College of Pharmacy is a leading expert on rural health issues.
Working alongside Dr. DiPietro, Maria helped develop a survey to evaluate whether community pharmacists in Ohio are providing—or would consider providing— women health services in maternity care deserts.
“Some of the basic services pharmacists could potentially provide are tobacco cessation; alcohol use, HIV and STI counseling/education; and chronic disease state management on conditions such as hypertension and diabetes for all stages of pregnancy,” said Maria.
In November 2023, Maria had the opportunity to present her preliminary research findings at the American Public Health Association’s Annual Meeting and Expo in Atlanta, Ga.
Beyond research, Maria has found her niche and many close friends at ONU. She is a resident advisor in Lima Hall; a member of several pharmacy organizations; and an active participant of the African Student Association and Sister 2 Sister. A huge Harry Potter fan, she also enjoys writing creative fiction when she’s not studying.
She’s grateful to have found a support system at ONU. “Pharmacy school is challenging academically, but I have so many friends to lean on. We are all going through the same things and they have my back; it’s not a competition. We are all here to support one another.”
She describes ONU as feeling like a “warm blanket.” “It’s like family to me, honestly, being on this campus,” she said. It’s so beautiful here and it’s like a second home, a safe and comforting space.”