Member Spotlight: Michelle Clausen PhD, MSN, CNM

Dr. Michelle Clausen is a Post-Doctoral Fellow with the GROWBABY Research Network. Michelle Clausen has earned degrees in Public Health and Nursing from the George Washington University.   In 2024, she completed her Ph.D. at GW's School of Nursing, focusing on the impact of maternal factors, such as spiritual well-being and early childhood adversity, on pregnant individuals' health. As a Nurse-Midwife, Michelle provides comprehensive medical, gynecological, and reproductive care while advocating for accessible midwifery services and the integrity of physiological birth in various settings. In May 2024, she joined the Primary Care Research Program (P-CART), where she is developing interventions that incorporate trauma-informed strategies and spirituality to improve health outcomes.

Questions:

1. What brought you to this area of work?

My journey began with an educational foundation in Public Health, where I recognized the significant impact of maternal and child health on overall community health and well-being. This motivated me to pursue a career in nursing and midwifery, allowing me to provide comprehensive care to individuals during a critical period of their lives.

2. What inspires you to do research in group care?

I am inspired by the potential of group care models to foster community support, enhance health education, support autonomy, and improve outcomes for both mothers and children.

3. How do you envision that GROWBABY participation will support your career?

My participation with GROWBABY will hopefully support the development of valuable insights into effective group care strategies and how this supports the delivery of holistic approaches to prenatal and well-child care. This collaboration will enhance my understanding of community needs and inform my future work as a midwifery advocate and researcher.

4. Where do you see the field headed next?

I see the field of maternal care evolving toward a greater emphasis on holistic, trauma-informed approaches that prioritize mental, emotional, and spiritual health in group settings. Additionally, I hope there will be an increased emphasis on delivering compassionate, shared-decision-making healthcare, recognizing the health of women, birthing individuals, and children as essential to the overall well-being of our society.