MEPcast

Amanda and Elisha have both contributed their expertise to Medicine Sans Frontiers (MSF). MSF is an international humanitarian organisation that provides essential medical assistance to individuals affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters, and healthcare exclusion in over 70 countries worldwide. Amanda served as a Midwife Activity Manager for MSF in 2018 and 2020, where she made significant contributions to improving the quality of maternal and reproductive healthcare in challenging settings. On the other hand, Elisha serves as a women's health advisor for the Sydney Medical Unit of the MSF OCP, where she has provided critical guidance and support for women's health issues.

In this episode, Amanda and Elisha share their valuable experiences and insights on working as midwives for MSF. Their perspectives on addressing the unique challenges of providing maternal and reproductive healthcare in humanitarian crises offer a compelling and informative discussion for anyone interested in this field.

Anne Parmenter is the Head Field Hockey Coach and Director of Physical Education at Trinity College in Hartford, USA. As an accomplished outdoor educator with a passion for rock climbing and mountaineering, Anne has scaled several international peaks, including Mount Everest in 2004, and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her role.

In this episode, Anne shares her valuable insights on the essential elements of effective teamwork, the importance of diversity in teams, the impact of group dynamics on team performance, the key attributes of successful teams, how to cultivate leadership skills, and the critical qualities of an effective leader. Her expertise and experiences offer a compelling discussion for anyone interested in enhancing their understanding of team dynamics and leadership.

Eline and Katrine are associate professors at the midwifery education program of the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences in Bergen, Norway. Their extensive expertise and experience in the field of midwifery make them valuable contributors to the discussion on various aspects of maternity care.

In this episode, Eline and Katrine share their insights on different models of care for women in Norway, the midwifery pathway and system in Norway, the impact of technology on normal birth, and other relevant topics. Their informative and thought-provoking discussion provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in the current state and future direction of midwifery practice.

Sheena is a distinguished midwife consultant who has significantly contributed to developing three birth centres in East Lancashire. Sheena also serves as a consultant to various National Health Service Trusts and other global organisations to help support normal, physiological childbirth.

In this episode, Sheena shares her expert insights on various aspects of midwifery, including the midwifery pathway and system in the UK, the importance of compassionate leadership in midwifery, the continuity of care model, home births in the UK, and strategies for promoting normal labour and birth. Her valuable perspectives and experiences offer an informative and engaging discussion.

Angela Swift is a qualified midwife of 26 years. She is currently working at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital but started her career in the UK, where she was one of the first midwifery students to train through a direct entry program in 1992. 

She was part of the development and rollout of the Ngarrama Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) at the RBWH. This MGP was the first all-risk MGP at the RBWH and provided care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. She has also worked in Far North QLD, including Thursday Island, developing a rural MGP with off-site birthing.

Dr Mia McLanders is an applied healthcare researcher with a background in cognitive psychology. She uses human factors and user-centred design methods to develop interventions that improve process flow and patient outcomes. Sue and Mia chat about what human factors is, how human factors research can change the way health care is delivered, how to support staff in coping with stressful clinical situations, and the importance of simulation in healthcare.