The dissertation defense is open and will be held virtually.
Participants are requested to RSVP to receive the link to the presentation.
The PhD in Translational Health Sciences Program is proud to announce the Dissertation Defense of:
PhD Candidate: Aaron Paul Henry, MSHS, PA-C
Translating Trust: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed-Methods Study to Explore Black Men’s Trust in Healthcare Providers
Dissertation Committee Co-Chairs: Paige McDonald, EdD, MA and Howard Straker, EdD, MPH, PA-C
Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 9:00 AM ET
Black men in the United States experience significant health disparities, including higher rates of preventable illness. Lack of trust can contribute to these disparities, yet little is known about how Black men determine trust in healthcare providers. This study surveyed 170 self-identified Black men in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, along with follow-up interviews with 17 participants. While survey responses suggested generally moderate to high trust, interviews revealed concerns about racial fairness, honesty, transparency, and healthcare providers’ financial motives. Participants described building trust with healthcare providers who listen, show respect, demonstrate knowledge, and take time to understand their experiences. These findings can be translated into potential interventions, such as healthcare provider training and patient-centered approaches, to strengthen trust and support healthcare-seeking among Black men.
