Leading the Future of Maternal Health, George Honored with National Fellowship
The College of Nursing proudly announces that Erin George, PhD, CNM, is the latest recipient of the prestigious Elizabeth Bear Education Leadership Fellowship from the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) Foundation. George joined the College of Nursing as a Postdoctoral Researcher in April 2024 and focuses her research on perinatal outcomes related to birth settings and patient-provider experiences of care, guided by Elise Erickson, PhD, CNM, FACNM, in the Mechanisms Underpinning Maternal Health Lab (MuMH).
The fellowship is designed for certified nurse-midwives (CNM) and certified midwives (CM) pursuing advanced education in doctoral or postdoctoral programs. It supports midwives who aspire to take on leadership roles in nursing, midwifery, and public health. George was awarded the Fellowship in person while giving a talk about midwifery-led community birth research at Yale School of Nursing last October during the ACNM Foundation’s "Honoring Midwifery’s Past and Celebrating Midwifery’s Future” event.
“I am honored to receive this fellowship, which will enhance my research and empower me to mentor future midwives,” said George. “I look forward to contributing to the field and addressing the critical issues surrounding maternal health.”
“We are incredibly proud of Dr. George for receiving this prestigious fellowship. This recognition highlights her dedication to advancing midwifery research and education,” said Brian Ahn, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing. “Her work aligns with our mission to improve maternal health outcomes and cultivate the next generation of nurse-midwives. Dr. George’s leadership and commitment to innovation exemplify the excellence we strive for in the College of Nursing.”
Ericson states, “Dr. George is dedicated to ensuring people have access to the right maternity care at the right time. Her research highlights the importance of community-based care in filling gaps in our disjointed system. This award celebrates her innovative thinking and accomplishments in science.”
George has over ten years of experience practicing full-scope midwifery in academic medical centers, community hospitals, and freestanding birth centers. The fellowship will help her explore innovative solutions to health disparities, furthering the college’s commitment to advancing maternal health.
In addition to George's recognition, the College of Nursing honors the achievements of its community members, including Sarah Weinstein, a PhD student who recently received the 2024 Diane S. Moore Research Scholarship from the ACNM Foundation. This scholarship supports research-focused doctoral education for midwives preparing for leadership roles.
The College of Nursing remains at the forefront of healthcare research and patient care, driven by the expertise and dedication of its faculty, researchers, and students. The college continues to shape the future of nursing and midwifery through innovative studies, prestigious fellowships, and a commitment to evidence-based practice. Leaders like George and her colleagues push the boundaries of maternal health research, reinforcing the vital role that nursing plays in improving outcomes for patients and communities while preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders to drive meaningful change in the field.