Prof Gina Awoko Higginbottom was appointed in 2015 as the Mary Seacole Professor of Ethnicity and Community Health at the University of Nottingham – the first nurse of Black and Minority Ethnic origin (BME) to hold a professorial role in a Russell Group university in England and is now Emeritus Professor.

Dr. Higginbottom is formerly a Canada Research Chair in Ethnicity and Health (now renewed) for 8 years at the University Alberta, Canada. She is also the first women of colour to hold a Canada Research Chair, awarded in 2007. She holds a substantial track record of publication and grant acquisition, and Sage research textbook.

Her research focuses on ethnic minority populations and immigrant health, including social exclusion and equity in healthcare and ethno-cultural diversity in care giving. Her experience as a midwife and health visitor has further informed her studies of international migration and maternity, including parenting issues, early parenthood and postnatal depression in different ethnic minority groups, and experiences of diverse ethnocultural groups in accessing and navigating maternal healthcare services. Gina is a member of the UK NHS Race and Health Observatory’s academic reference group and Maternity Action Group. Is Vice President of the Health Visitors Association and a member of the NIHR Research Professor Selection Committee.

In this episode, Gina breaks down the role of race in the healthcare system, the importance of culturally congruent care and Black women’s maternal health, and the importance of health justice for migrant and ethnic minority communities.