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Review
. 2026 Jan-Dec:22:17455057251410325.
doi: 10.1177/17455057251410325. Epub 2026 Jan 27.

The heroines of healthcare model: A framework for use in studies of Black women healthcare workers

Jeannette M Wade  1 , Ting Wang  2 , Helyne Frederick  3 , Sharon Parker  4
Affiliations
Review

The heroines of healthcare model: A framework for use in studies of Black women healthcare workers

Jeannette M Wade et al. Womens Health (Lond). 2026 Jan-Dec.

Abstract

Black women healthcare workers serve as key drivers of health equity, providing quality care to a population that faces a gamut of concerns regarding (1) patient-provider interactions as well as (2) access to care. As such, it is vital to make sure healthcare is an inclusive field where Black women workers are not overly burdened, or uniquely susceptible to burnout. Here, we present the Heroines of Healthcare Model, which is a conceptual framework developed to better understand the well-being and lived experiences of Black women in healthcare professions. Drawing upon interdisciplinary literature, we combine sociological theory, Historical Womanism with social psychological framework, Superwoman Schema to contextualize Black women's labor, and the overall burden of care work. The Heroines of Healthcare Model not only centers the voices of Black women, but also provides a tool for educators, practitioners, and researchers to develop more inclusive policies, curricula, and wellness strategies. By shifting the narrative from deficit to empowerment, the model affirms the value of Black women's contributions and experiences within healthcare, ultimately promoting equity and systemic transformation.

Keywords: burnout; health equity; healthcare workers; intersectionality; strong Black woman.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Heroines of healthcare model.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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