As we embark in 2024, my mind naturally gravitates towards the concept of resolutions. However, I find myself considering not just personal goals but collective ones. As the Dean of a Midwifery program, I've experienced a significant shift in my professional calling – from being on call for my patients to being on call for my students. The profound joy I once found in witnessing the culmination of a birth has transformed into the equally profound joy of seeing a student complete their program and embark on their journey as a midwife My role as a midwife, educator, and member of the NACPM board has instilled in me a sense of collective responsibility. My resolution for this year, and the years to follow, is to foster unity and collaboration, not only within our profession but also in support of our students. This includes working alongside other schools and organizations to brainstorm and implement solutions that enhance our students' experiences, particularly in terms of financial accessibility to educational programs.
Furthermore, I am committed to improving educational opportunities and enhancing support for preceptors and mentors. This is crucial for ensuring that our students have access to local clinical sites within their communities. By gently creating safe spaces and offering training opportunities for preceptors, we can establish a supportive and protective environment for the preceptor-student dyad.
The growth of midwifery depends on more than just increasing the number of practicing midwives. It is also contingent upon ensuring that students can not only navigate their educational journey but also remain in and complete their programs. This growth is intrinsically linked to the presence of community-based midwives who embrace the sacred role of preceptors.
The commitment of the NACPM to our Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) certification begins with our midwifery students. We must recognize that the strength and future of our profession are deeply rooted in the education and nurturing of our future midwives. This year, I am dedicated to advancing these collective resolutions, understanding that they are vital not just to the individuals involved, but to the broader health and wellbeing of the communities we serve.
Kindly,
Z. Ruiz-Gines, CPM