Suzanne Lee is a Midwifery Lecturer and Joint Programme Director of the BSc Midwifery course at City, University of London. Before joining City, she gained experience in all areas of midwifery care, including leading a team supporting women with medical complications and implementing research studies to improve care.
Discovering Midwifery
I was never particularly a ‘baby’ person and assumed that was a large part of being a midwife. Then I met a midwife who explained what the job involved. I really liked the idea of working with women to support and empower them at such a significant life event.
Academia
I was originally a mental health nurse and then studied a social policy degree as I wanted to have a better understanding of the societal factors which affect people’s wellbeing and the organisation of healthcare. I then did a MA in Women’s Studies to deepen my knowledge of these issues particularly relate to women’s lives. This interest in women’s health led me to study my midwifery degree.
I’ve just completed a PhD examining how pregnant women, midwives and doctors think with regard to pregnancy and childbirth. I really enjoyed finding answers to questions which had occurred to me during my career as a clinical midwife and having the opportunity to focus on the subject I find most interesting.
Working as a Midwife
I’ve worked in all areas of maternity care: hospital and community settings caring for women and babies during and after pregnancy and birth. For several years I led a team of midwives providing care for women with medical complications during pregnancy. It was very rewarding to ensure they felt well informed and supported. My last job was as a research midwife, implementing research studies which would help improve care for women. This interest in research and how important it is for clinical care made me want to pursue a more academic career and I joined City in 2013.
Lecturing at City
I teach research methods applied to midwifery care and about some of the complications that can occur during pregnancy – the things I’m most interested in, and I continue to conduct research in this field. I enjoy being with students and seeing the joy and passion they have in midwifery.
The Student Experience
Students can expect a very rewarding and very challenging course which will give them entry into the most amazing career. Through placement opportunities and the training we provide in our specialist clinical skills labs, our students graduate as capable and confident Midwives.
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