Happy 20-year Anniversary to the Duke Midwifery Service!
The Duke Midwifery Service began in 1999 with a single midwife, Amy McDonald.
Today, the Women's Health Advanced Practice Providers comprise a collaborative practice of 3 nurse practitioners and 10 midwives that are a key component of the world-class care Duke Ob/Gyn's provide to obstetrical patients at the Duke Birthing Center. They provide invaluable education to Duke medical students; to Ob/Gyn, Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine Residents; and to Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Midwife students. Studies have shown that collaborative obstetrical practices that include midwives are associated better birth outcomes. States with high “midwife integration” into obstetrical practice and midwife-friendly laws and regulations have lower rates of premature births, cesarean deliveries and newborn deaths. Experience at the Duke Birthing Center supports these data; both the care provided and the education given to learners are better because of this group of highly trained and caring professionals. They have been recognized in many ways over the last 20 years, including multiple Friends of Nursing Awards, Great 100 Awards and Strength, Hope and Caring Team Awards. As a group, they stand as great examples of Duke Ob/Gyn's values of Excellence and Teamwork. Congratulations.