Wellness Chronicles 3 — From the Womb to Wellness: Prenatal Strategies Against HIV and Syphilis

In this episode, we discuss the importance of prenatal care for Black Women, focusing on how regular check-ups and early syphilis and HIV testing can prevent serious health risks for both mother and baby, ensuring a safer pregnancy and healthier outcomes.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the importance of regular prenatal check-ups in preventing HIV and syphilis transmission from mother to baby.
• Identify key strategies for early detection and testing of HIV and syphilis during prenatal care, leading to improved health outcomes for both mother and baby.
• Describe the potential health risks associated with untreated HIV and syphilis during pregnancy.

Faculty

Dara N. King, MBA, MD is a native of Detroit, Michigan and now resides in Maryland. She attended the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biopsychology and Cognitive Sciences. She achieved her Doctor of Medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit and has been an OBGYN for 18 years. She believes that women should be treated with respect and dignity when they are dealing with their most intimate moments.

As a physician, she has the honor of helping women feel empowered to take care of their minds and bodies. Dr. King values and protects her patients’ trusts. She realizes her work is sensitive and her patients know that they are in a safe, judgment-free space to share their goals and concerns.

Although she is a physician, Dr. King is quick to say her passion reaches far beyond medicine. She finds joy and fulfillment in mentoring and motivating young women to become the best part of themselves. She has mentored many young women over the years who have become powerful women in their own right. She continues to foster these relationships and realizes that one of these amazing women can change the world. She has also participated in a mentorship program at Wayne State University encouraging and supporting young female doctors in training.

Dr. King is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc where she held a leadership position as the committee chairman of Target 2: Women’s Healthcare and Wellness. Through this, she was able to take her skills beyond the doctor’s office and focus on making an impact in the community. She also is a member of the Maryland State Medical Society and the National Medical Association. Dr. King has been working to achieve equity in maternal and infant health and pregnancy outcomes. She has been working with the Fetal & Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) Board and Community Action Team (CAT) of Montgomery County. With this, she hopes to increase awareness and to decrease the health disparity in pregnant African American women and infants.

Because she is a lifelong learner and someone who is committed to a life of impact in the health equity space, she successfully earned her MBA from Yale School of Management in 2024. She looks forward to continuing her impact, education and deep relationships as a result of this experience.