Getting involved in Maternal Health Research

[opal1989]

Hello,

I am a student working on a path towards either a PA program, or an ABSN and eventually MSN program (as a WHNP or CNM). I am also interested in research, specifically regarding maternal health. Does anyone have advice on being involved in research as a midwife? Are specific paths, such as obtaining a PHD required?

Thank you in advance.

[acires]

I currently manage a maternal health study and will be leaving it to attend my CNM/WHNP program this summer. From my experiences of working with nurses actively involved in maternal and women's health research, I can tell you that most do have a PhD in Nursing. However, some are Masters level nurse researchers with publications under their name (especially so at the top ranked CNM programs). It really depends on the work that you're doing, who you're publishing with, and where.

I recommend reaching out to nurses that are currently doing research in the area(s) of maternal health most appealing to you to see if there are any opportunities for you to gain research experience either as an assistant or as an employee (research coordinator). Are you passionate about global maternal health? Or are health disparities in maternal health more your speed? My experience of working on a maternal health study is that it really provided me with invaluable research experience which undoubtedly helped me get into my competitive CNM/WHNP program. I'd also love to come back to maternal health as not only a clinician, but also as a researcher. Best of luck to you!

[klone, MSN, RN]

Look up Eunice Kennedy Shriver MFMU and see where their current research sites are (different facilities are designated as MFMU sites for 5-year periods then they have to reapply). You could try getting a job at one of their sites, they do amazing maternal-fetal medicine research.

[opal1989]

Thank you so much for your insightful reply!

[opal1989]

Thank you @Klone, I will. I appreciate your input!