The AIUS Journal of Research & Scholarship
Volume 1, Issue 1 - April 2025
Revisiting Intersectionality Theory: A Multidimensional Application
Cathy Bennett, PhD, Lead Investigator
Lisa Scott-Morring, PhD
Kenneth Cromer, PhD
https://doi.org/10.63289/a11901
Abstract
Intersectionality Theory emerged as a Black feminist criticism of single-axis frameworks applied in antidiscrimination policy and in feminist theory. The central idea in seminal intersectionality theory is that the intersectional experiences of Black women are greater than the combination of single-axis experiences of either racism or sexism. The effects are compounded in the experience of Black women, contributing to further marginalization as they are systematically excluded in discussion of racial policy or feminist theory. Intersectionality theory research to date is narrowly focused on the context within which it was developed. This article discusses findings of two independent research projects, each of which implies a multidimensional application transcending the traditional African American female experience upon which it is based. Intersectionality Theory may provide a pathway to understanding the systematic marginalization by specific phenomenon or cultural experiences of other groups such as Asian Americans, undocumented or first-generation immigrants, or members of the LBGTQ+ community. The potential for further research to expand this theory to broader applications may inform political policy and influence societal change.
The Philadelphia Trailblazer Initiative
We are presently seeking collaborators for implementing a research based pilot program to assess measures based on social determinants and accessible and available resources for set boundaries within a particular section of VISN 4 as outlined in recent study.
The research conducted by Dr. Cathy Bennett, Phd, "The Intersectionality Theory of Veterans Healthcare in Post-Transition Barriers and Challenges focuses on variables retrieved from VISN 4 Patient Advocacy Tracking System.
We have identified our barriers from the data as the "patient concerns" as follows:
An unedited recording of the defense: https://www.podserve.fm/series/website/women-veterans-speak,11716/184846
Challenges as labeled as "Patient Diagnosis" which are:
Mental Health
Suicide /Suicidal Ideation
Mental Health-Substance Abuse Disorder
And an external factor from other research that examines NonAlcoholic Fatty Liver Disease based on a study outcomes from Medicare in review of 1 million enrolled patients.
Philadelphia VA Mental Health and Officer/Leadership
Dr. David Oslin
https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn4/People/Philly/oslin.asp
Dr. David W. Oslin is a psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. He is the Director of the VISN 4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC) and the Associate Chief of Staff for Behavioral Health at the Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia.124
Dr. Oslin's research focuses on implementing precision mental health care and integrating mental health care into primary care settings.12 He is also the executive site director of the Stephen A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at the University of Pennsylvania.1 His work includes developing and implementing measurement-based care practices and applying genetics to clinical care.2
Dr. Oslin is the author of over 200 research publications and 30 chapters, books, or editorials.14 He received his medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years.35 He specializes in addiction and geriatric psychiatry and is experienced in health services accessibility and clinical trials.
https://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/for_researchers/cyber_seminars/archives/video_archive.cfm?SessionID=3859
https://www.va.gov/philadelphia-health-care/health-services/#mental-health-care
The CMCVAMC Medical Research Program is directed by the Associate Chief of Staff for R&D (Kyong-Mi Chang MD) with the support of Administrative Officer (Richard Moore). The regulatory oversight for all VA-based research studies is provided through the CMCVAMC R&D Committee (Chair: Richard Ross, MD PhD), two Institutional Review Board Committee (Chairs: Stuart Isaacs MD, Terri Laufer MD), Research Safety and Security Program/Institutional Biosafety Committee (Chair: Victoria Werth MD) and Institutional Animal Care Use and Care Committee (Chair: Laurence Buxbaum MD PhD). The nonprofit Philadelphia Research and Education Foundation (PREF) administers non-VA-funded but VA-relevant research conducted by VA investigators (Executive Director: Tinesar Forrest).
II. Existing Centers of Excellence and Programs with Research, Clinical and Educational missions:
CHERP (Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, a joint HSR&D Center of Innovation between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh VA) Director: Said Ibrahim MD, MPH in Philadelphia.
https://www.va.gov/philadelphia-health-care/health-services/mental-health-care/