Established in 2001, UBC’s four-year Midwifery degree program has been preparing midwives for practice in B.C. for over a decade.
This spring, eight UBC Midwifery students will earn their degrees and embark on the next stage of their journey as registered midwives. As part of the Faculty of Medicine’s 2015 Spring Graduation Series, we sat down with two Midwifery graduates from the class of 2015 to find out what they enjoyed most about the program, and where they’re headed next.
Vanessa Samur
What have you enjoyed the most about your experience in the Midwifery program at UBC?
The best part of the midwifery student experience is definitely the relationships you form with your classmates. The program is academically demanding and emotionally challenging so you really rely on your classmates for support in tough times. You also get the chance to watch each other grow and develop as midwives throughout the four years of the program, which is a truly incredible transformation.
What surprised or challenged you over the course of the program?
I found placements and hands-on training with clients to be a humbling experience. We work hard to hone our skills and develop confidence as care providers.
What advice would you offer to incoming students in the UBC Midwifery program?
Work hard to maintain a life outside of your profession – it’s important to keep your non-midwifery relationships intact and continue doing other things you love, as that’s what keeps you going when pressures from work begin to add up.
What’s next for you?
In July, I’ll begin working as a registered midwife in Kelowna, B.C. with a lovely team of midwives at Malachite Midwives. I’m planning on spending my off-call time working on the farm with my husband, hiking, eating, and catching up on sleep!
Paula Schikkerling
What have you enjoyed the most about your experience in the Midwifery program at UBC?
The variety of perspectives that have enriched my learning. The excellent clinical preceptorship. The life-long relationships that have been forged through the experience. The privilege to work alongside – and learn from – such incredible women!
What surprised or challenged you over the course of the program?
The tenacity required and the need to draw on so many aspects of myself.
What advice would you offer to incoming students in the UBC Midwifery program?
Trust yourself. Face things one small step at a time. Make sure you have family and community supports in place. Begin to practice effective self-care.
What’s next for you?
I’ll be providing midwifery care to women and their families in Sooke, with the support of midwife Uta Herold and the Victoria midwifery community.