Mysti Harrison Measures Impact of Health Disparity Stress on MS
It is a known fact that chronic stress impacts health. But how does chronic stress affect a specific disease?
Kimystian “Mysti” Harrison, MD, a post-doctoral neuroimmunology fellow working with the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity, aims to explore the connection between chronic stress and multiple sclerosis (MS) outcomes. By analyzing biomarkers associated with stress levels in MS patients and comparing them across different demographic groups, Harrison hopes to shed light on the underlying mechanisms driving these disparities. Through this research, she aims to identify strategies to improve outcomes and enhance the well-being of marginalized individuals living with MS.
Harrison is a clinical and research post-doctoral fellow in the Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infectious Disease Fellowship program at Johns Hopkins Medicine, under the guidance of her mentors, Ellen Mowry, MD, MCR, Kathryn Fitzgerald, ScD, and CHE director Lisa Cooper, MD, MPH. The focus of Harrison's research lies in understanding the disparities in MS outcomes among different racial and socioeconomic groups.
“While MS affects many individuals regardless of race or background, there are observable differences in disease severity and progression among marginalized communities,” Harrison says. Her goal is to investigate the role of chronic stress, social determinants of health, and environmental factors in shaping these disparate outcomes.
Harrison’s work will be supported by an Early Investigator Research Award given by the Department of Defense.
“While MS affects many individuals regardless of race or background, there are observable differences in disease severity and progression among marginalized communities.”
-Mysti Harrison
Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, Harrison pursued her medical education and training, fueled by a passion for medicine that she developed after witnessing her mother’s struggle with MS.
“That's where I got my interest in science,” she says, “and then I went on to do neurology after seeing her condition.”
Harrison emphasized the importance of addressing disparities in MS care and treatment, highlighting the need for tailored approaches that consider the unique challenges faced by different communities. She underscored that while disparities exist, they are not predetermined outcomes for marginalized individuals, and interventions aimed at addressing social determinants of health and improving access to care can make a significant difference.
“These disparities originate from a combination of different things in the social determinants of health, like different environmental and economic circumstances, rather than genetics.”
As Harrison continues her research journey, she remains committed to advancing the understanding of MS and working towards equitable outcomes for all individuals affected by the disease.