Nurse-midwives as faculty preceptors in medical student education

Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are specialists in normal obstetrics and women's health care. In this capacity, CNMs have been actively involved in the education of nurses and student nurse-midwives. Nurse-midwives also have been consultants and mentors for medical students and residents during their clinical experiences. However, the nurse-midwife's contribution to the formal medical education process has not received the appropriate formal recognition that it deserves, nor has this contribution been utilized to its maximum potential. This article describes the development, philosophy, and implementation of an educational program utilizing nurse-midwives as the primary clinical preceptor for the obstetric rotation for third-year medical students. The long-range impact of this educational experience on the nurse-midwife/physician relationship is also explored.