UMSN Celebrates Its Inaugural Midwifery Graduates Through the MiMAT Program
This spring marks a significant milestone for the University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN) as it graduates its first class of midwives through the Michigan Maternity Care Traineeship Program (MiMAT). With a focus on empowering maternal health, MiMAT represents a strategic initiative aimed at improving maternal health outcomes in communities that need it most.
The First Class of MiMAT Midwives
The inaugural cohort of 13 UMSN students began their midwifery journey in winter 2024, with new groups planned to start each fall for the next four years. Backed by a $1 million grant from the Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA), the MiMAT program selects students who are not only academically strong but also deeply invested in impacting communities with limited medical resources.
Lisa Kane Low, Ph.D., CNM, FACNM, FAAN, professor and senior associate dean for Professional Graduate Studies and Professional Relations at UMSN, emphasized the importance of this initiative. "UMSN has one of the country’s top midwifery programs, and one of our priorities has been to look at opportunities to provide the tools for these scholars to help them pursue their goals of becoming a midwife so that they can make a difference.”
Among the graduating scholars is Rhema Ward, MSN, CNM, who shared her sense of achievement and purpose within the program.
“These past four years have allowed me to deeply explore my passion and have shaped me into a more informed, compassionate and driven provider. I’m confident that this experience will empower me to better serve all individuals,” she said.
Preparing Future Health Care Leaders
These scholars benefited from a robust educational framework tailored to address the distinctive health challenges of communities in need to ensure they are well-prepared to navigate and positively influence the field of maternal health.
Strategic partnerships, such as those with Birth Detroit and other community health organizations, enrich the learning experience through clinical placements and professional collaborations.
Dr. Ruth Zielinski, who leads the midwifery graduate program, said the involvement of UMSN’s partners has been instrumental not only for MiMAT scholars but for all students, ensuring they are exposed to critical, real-world insights and experiences.
Mentorship and Support: Cornerstones of Success
Central to the MiMAT program is a robust mentorship framework that pairs scholars with UMSN faculty and practicing nurse-midwives. This mentorship, which supports both educational and professional growth, is integral to the students' development as health care leaders.
"There is increasing evidence that mentorship is an essential part of education and socialization into a profession," said Dr. Zielinski.
Rhema agreed. “These one-on-one mentor meetings and group sessions offer invaluable support, encouragement, and a sense of community that can really make a difference during your journey… so set aside time for these interactions—they’re truly worth it,” she said.
A Promising Future for Midwifery at UMSN
As UMSN celebrates these graduating scholars, the future looks promising for MiMAT. The program is actively pursuing continued support and funding from HRSA to further bolster its midwifery programs. The success of this first cohort not only enhances the quality of education for current students but also sets a precedent for future ones.
Students considering the midwifery program at UMSN should contact [email protected] for more information.
