Black Maternal Health Week: Wheeler’s OBGYN Spotlight

Janet Anderson-Ray, MD, obstetrician & gynecologist, works once a week at Wheeler’s Family Health & Wellness center in Waterbury. Janet graduated from Loma Linda University Medical School, California in 2003, and did her OBGYN residency in Park Ridge, Illinois at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital from 2003-2007.  

After completing her residency, Janet worked in Cheyenne, Wyoming for nearly 14 years, before relocating to Connecticut in 2021.  She joined Naugatuck Valley Women's Health, an OBGYN group practice associated with Trinity Health of New England, in June 2021. As part of that position, Janet began providing weekly OBGYN services at Wheeler’s Family Health & Wellness Center in Waterbury. 

Janet provides care for women during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum, while also providing contraception, routine gynecologic screening and exams, and evaluation and treatment for gynecologic issues such as heavy and irregular periods, pelvic pain, abnormal pap tests, and menopausal concerns. 

What has been your experience caring for pregnant women of color? My experience has been that women from all backgrounds often come to the health care provider with some level of lack of trust, or concern as to whether anyone is going to take them seriously.   My experience of caring for women of color is that often, with good reason, that lack of trust and history of bad experiences is even worse.  It can be hard in an overstretched health care system to take the time needed to listen and to build trust, but it is so important. 

How can we help decrease Black maternal mortality rates?  

• Listen, listen, listen to our patients!  Ask about their concerns and answer their questions. 
• Make sure every pregnant person has access to good prenatal and pregnancy care. 
• Starting even before pregnancy, ensuring easy access to health care for managing conditions such as hypertension and diabetes is so important in helping women stay healthy during pregnancy. 

To schedule an OBGYN appointment, call our Navigation Center toll-free, 888.793.3500.