Interview with Isatou Marong, Eddy Rose Black Birthworker Scholar

1. Why did you want to become a midwife? 

Working in healthcare has been my dream since I was a child. I always found it fascinating when my mom used to tell us about her birth experiences, which were all attended by traditional midwives. Fortunately, I began my healthcare career as a lab technician on the labor and delivery floor at the main hospital in Gambia. This allowed me the opportunity to witness several births and support women in their most vulnerable times, providing them with small comforts such as holding their hands, rubbing their backs, or providing emotional support by simply being present. Many of those women did not have loved ones or family members with them during birth. I have seen the exceptional care some of them received from the midwives, who play a crucial role in the birthing process in the Gambia. On the contrary, I have also seen women being shamed or called weak for expressing their pain, which, unfortunately, is a cultural norm.

 A few years later, I got the opportunity to travel to the US after graduating from nursing school; I was seven months pregnant at the time. From my experience in the labor and delivery unit and as a nurse, I have also seen some of the complications women experience from having Female Genital Mutilation. I was scared and feared that my delivery was going to be a difficult one, being that it was my first pregnancy. Thankfully, my birth was exceptional, with an incredibly supportive midwife named Aicha and wonderful caring nurses who assisted me throughout my labor. Aicha's advocacy was crucial in preventing me from getting a cesarean section. Subsequently, due to this positive experience, I chose to have all four of my children delivered by midwives.

 These two contrasting experiences are what led me to midwifery. I wanted to provide every woman the care, support, and compassion I received from midwives who cared for me. Equally, I also wanted to strongly advocate for my fellow women, particularly Black and immigrant women. I strive to provide individualized, compassionate, culturally congruent care and to create a safe and supportive environment for my patients. I believe in empowering women to make informed decisions about their care, and I will support them in expressing how they feel during labor.

 2. What has being a midwifery student been like? 

Being a midwife student has been both a challenge and a joy. My passion for this profession fuels my enjoyment of the learning process. The opportunity to take a continuity of care course last semester was a privilege, allowing me to observe pregnant women who opt for a home birth from their first trimester visit to the end of their postpartum care. Each new lesson I learn fills me with the anticipation of becoming a better midwife for my future patients.

This semester, we are mandated to meet in person, which is extra challenging. However, having an incredibly supportive family has allowed me to juggle work, care for my kids, and concentrate on schoolwork. I have also learned to manage my time by prioritizing and not leaving anything I can do today for tomorrow. 

 3. Do you have any advice for others who are thinking of going to midwifery school?

 If you are considering a career in midwifery, I encourage you to pursue it. The midwifery profession is growing, and we need more representation from diverse backgrounds. People of color and ethnic minority groups are particularly underrepresented. By joining the profession, you can help change this. The more diverse our midwifery workforce, the more people will receive care from midwives who understand their needs and can provide culturally sensitive care.

To those actively considering which program to join, the good news is that the downstate midwifery program has just revised its curriculum and reduced the midwifery program from three to two years. So, if you are considering becoming a midwife, now is a good time; you have a shorter period to complete your midwifery program. Also, I did not know this before joining the school, but the midwifery program not only accepts nurses, but non-nurses who have a degree in other fields can join the program and become certified midwives. Your unique perspective and experiences can make a significant difference in the lives of the women you care for. 

4. How has the scholarship helped you in your journey? 

 As a mother of four boys, it has been difficult financially to care for my family and pay the school bills without accumulating debt. The Eddie Rose Excelente Fund for black Birthwotker scholarship has been a lifeline, helping me relieve the financial burden of taking on more student loans or working double jobs to make ends meet. This support has allowed me to concentrate on my schoolwork, care for my family simultaneously, and not worry financially. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. This scholarship has made my dreams a reality and made me believe it is possible to complete this program and become a midwife. It is a reminder of the significant impact that financial support can have on someone's journey to achieving their dreams. 

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

Five years from now, I see myself enhancing my skills and becoming an exceptional midwife dedicated to providing outstanding care to all women. I am particularly interested in specializing in the care of women who have experienced Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). I also hope to establish my own home birth practice, where I can provide care to women in the comfort of their homes, respecting their autonomy. I am eager to educate these women about the benefits of the midwifery care model and advocate for the profession. My ultimate goal is to see the midwifery care model integrated more widely within the hospital system, ensuring women's autonomy is continually respected. These are not just goals but reflect my passion and dedication to midwifery. 

6. What do you like to do for fun?

In my free time, I enjoy watching documentaries based on true stories or listening to inspirational books on Audible. I also love going for walks. These help me relax and rejuvenate, allowing me to be my best self. My favorite documentary is about the Brazilian footballer Edson Arantes do Nascimento, commonly known as Pelé. I find him an exceptional human being and an incredibly talented footballer.

Return to Vieques

IMR has had the privilege to work with the community in Puerto Rico,  specifically the island of Vieques, since 2017. In the aftermath of hurricane Maria, the medical needs of the community are vast. We are thankful we’ve been able to play a small role in supporting vulnerable communities. Our last time in Vieques was in 2021 and we’re looking forward to returning in a few weeks. As everyone on the island is eagerly awaiting a new hospital to replace the one damaged after Maria, home visits and focused care for the vulnerable is more vital than ever. The population of Vieques has specific health and and psychosocial needs that are, in part, unmet.

We’re thankful to be able to play a role in partnering with community organizations to help support homebound, elderly, and vulnerable community. Our team for our upcoming trip has volunteers Liz O.  and Ana A.  as well as our ED Ambereen. We look forward to spending the week with home visits, assessments and health education outreach for several communities. We’d love to have the ability to provide plenty of medical supplies and equipment. Please consider a donation at this link!

Thank you so much and can’t wait to share our experience when we return.

Thanks as always,

Ambereen 

IMR donates medical supplies to Ukrainian partners

IMR has been working with healthcare practitioners in Ukraine in support of local efforts to provide training for war-related trauma.  Dr. Oleg Devinyak, Dean of the Medical School at the National University of Uzhhorod, has been a key partner of IMR for the past two years and also coordinates trauma education for the military and non-military populations.  During the Spring, 2024 we worked with Dr. Devinyak in providing critical equipment and supplies for his curriculum through a $10,000 donation.  Through this commitment, IMR is assisting battlefield medics as well as civilian providers to be better able to care for trauma patients affected by the war.  

IMR will continue to provide our Ukrainian partners the materials they need to maintain access to the healthcare needed by its patient populations under stress.

Haitian Nurse Scholar Betina preparing for graduation!

We are thrilled to share some exciting news about one of our remarkable Eddy Rose Scholars, Betina, who is graduating from nursing school later this year! We first met Betina through our partnership with GOALS Haiti, and we are honored to have supported her journey through her studies. IMR’s Eddy Rose Scholarship Program has been able to offer her a full-tuition scholarship with the generous contributions from our donors.

Learn more about Betina’s plans and aspirations following graduation here.

IMR Launches Our Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Surgery Course in Pakistan

A return visit to Karachi earlier this year coincided with the launch of our urogynecology and pelvic floor surgery curriculum for residents and trainees as well as local physicians.

This introductory course occurred over a week and was very well attended.  In partnership with the faculty of Koohi Goth Women’s Hospital, this is one of several courses we’ll offer, bringing global and local expertise in the field to teach and provide hands-on training. We were honored to have Dr. Sherhah Syed, head of Koohi Goth and renowned women’s health advocate introduce and support our course.

In addition to the course, we were invited to tour one of the oldest maternity hospitals in the province of Sindh, the Sobhrag Maternity Hospital. The hospital was established in the 1920’s to serve the region’s impoverished families, a mission it carries on to this day.

We’re looking forward to a return visit later this year to continue our teaching curriculum for the next generation of vaginal and fistula surgeons.

Dr. Schiller awarded Outstanding Educator of the Year

Join us in congratulating Dr. Joshua Schiller for being awarded the Outstanding Educator of the Year from a Clinical Affiliate Faculty at State University New York Downstate's 2024 Awards Day!

Dr. Schiller is Director of Global Health in Emergency Medicine at Maimonides Medical Center and Medical Director at IMR.  He is celebrated for his dynamic teaching style and compassionate clinical care. His global impact includes educational sessions for Ukrainian medical students and initiatives in global health and social emergency medicine.

Congrats Josh!

Our Return to Uzhhorod, Ukraine

We had our 1st visit to Ukraine in April and were thrilled to return again this past November. Our program is focused on enhancing medical education for clinicians and medical students at the National University of Uzhhorod. The IMR team, comprised of volunteer physicians who were skilled and dedicated teachers, led seminars that incorporated didactic and simulation sessions. Our efforts garnered attention locally and Josh, our co-founder and medical director, was interviewed on a news channel. This recognition not only highlights the importance of our work but also catalyzes broader awareness and support within our community. Together with our partners, we continue to aspire to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the evolving needs of their communities in Uzzhorod.

Lecture sessions

Our 2024 goals are to continue to support primary care education and expand lecture topics guided by our partners at the National University. We signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University, which reinforced our commitment, and the partnership was also featured on their website. This agreement underscores our shared values and aspirations, serving as a foundation for continued collaboration.

Thrilled to sign our agreement with Uzhhorod University

In 2024, we also hope to hold a women’s health symposium in partnership with local non-profits, including the local Zonta club Uzhhorod, Heart to Heart Ukraine, and the local regional youth leadership office that is now headed by our IMR Ukraine youth representative Mariya Y.

We want to extend our gratitude to everyone who participated and those who volunteered their time to this wonderful collaboration. We look forward to returning to Uzhhorod later this year!

Wonderful to meet the medical students

Mariya Y., our fantastic IMR Ukraine ambassador

Meet our new Eddy Rose Scholar for Black Birthworkers, Isatou Marong

We are once again honored to announce the recipient of the $10,000 scholarship for Black Birthworkers! Our scholar, Isatou Marong, is currently a first year student at SUNY Downstate where she is pursing her passion of becoming a Midwife. Her path to midwifery started in her native country of The Gambia and through her experience of giving birth in the United States. We were inspired by Isatou’s journey and her commitment to providing safe, compassionate care to Black and immigrant women.

We thank our IMR supporters for making this scholarship possible!

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I am a first-year midwifery student at SUNY Downstate Health Science University. My name is Isatou Marong. I am thrilled to have been selected for the Eddy Rose Scholarship for Black Birth workers and am grateful for this opportunity to further my journey to becoming a licensed midwife. Currently, I work as a Registered Nurse at HHC Jacobi Medical Center Emergency Service, where I find joy and peace in helping and caring for people.

My interest in healthcare led me to discover my passion for midwifery, particularly advocating for better maternal outcomes for black women. I am humbled to be a part of the midwifery community and intend to take full advantage of this scholarship to achieve my goals. 

I want to express my gratitude to the International Medical Response management and team, all contributors, supporters, and sponsors who made this opportunity possible. I am humbled and honored to be awarded this distinguished scholarship. 

-Isatou Marong

End of the Year thoughts from Eddy Rose Scholar, Shaunté

With graduation around the corner, I’m humbled at how far I’ve come. Currently, I am embarking on a clinical rotation in labor and delivery. The experience has been eye opening thus far. Having had the opportunity to deliver a baby with minimal assistance has been life changing. Watching my dreams unfold, bringing life into this world has been surreal. Every birthing person has a story and unique experience. I’m grateful to be a part of so many stories providing the best care I know how. Messages from patients like “I could not have done this without you” or “Thank you so much for everything; You’re going to make an amazing midwife one day” is all the validation I need to know that I’m in the right place. Applying didactic material instilled in us from our learning to real life situations makes this whole experience full circle. I look forward to graduation in the spring and taking my boards exam. I thank the team here at International Medical Response for this scholarship that has helped me tremendously to help finance my studies. Midwifery and birth work has a special place in my heart and I look forward to what’s in store for me as a new up and coming midwife!

April in Ukraine

By: Dr. Ambereen Sleemi, Executive Director

Josh and I traveled to Uzhhorrod in western Ukraine this past April, bordering Slovakia and close to Hungary. A collaboration with several local Ukranian organizations and medical teaching institutions led to a most fruitful visit. The trip was a culmination of months of planning and coordinating with partners both in the US and in Ukraine.

We met with Dr Volodymyr Smolenka, rector of the Uzhhorod National University and renowned neurosurgeon, as well as Dr. Oleg Devinyak, the dean of the medical school. We got an in- depth tour of the medical school, including the simulation lab and classrooms, with an overview of curricula and how students education has been affected by the ongoing conflict.

Dr. Smolenka in the OR

Dr. Oleg (medical school dean) Mariya, Josh, and Ambereen

A tour of a local lab that gives much support to victims of the war followed by a visit to the National maternity hospital gave further insight into the challenges of supporting medical needs during these difficult times. We also met the head of the Ob/Gyn department and staff, hearing concerns of the care of the local population and IDP’s who have come to this city to flee the war.

This was followed by a meeting with the local Ukraine non-profit community organization Heart to Heart, which gave important insight into how orgs have pivoted to meet the needs of the community, those wounded by war as well as IDP/s, many who have made their way to Uzhhorrod, swelling the pre war population substantially. A tour of a local warming centers supported by Zonta’s Ukrainian clubs during fuel and electrical outages this past winter, was another illustration of how the conflict affects all in Ukraine.

Thankful to meet with Uzhhorrod’s National law school Dean Yaro and faculty to discuss how local laws and the medical community can support women who are survivors of both intimate partner violence and rape as it is being weaponized in this war. As IMR is committed to caring for the vulnerable and marginalized, this issue is important for us to support in any way we can. We learned much about legal and law enforcement guidelines and will plan to work collaboratively to further how the medical community can collaborate in these efforts.

Dean Yaro and the law school faculty

Press conference with local partners and local journalists

We were invited to speak to members the local Zonta Uzhhorrod and Lviv clubs, med students and community members on IMR’s past and ongoing work and how we fit into partnerships in local projects. We also presented at a local press conf (watch it on youtube in Ukrainian ) along with our local NGO colleagues and answered questions about our plans to work with the local medical and community groups to support medical education and community health, including our goal to work with local Zonta chapters and Heart to Heart to care for women who are survivors of IPV and rape.

We’re returning this November to work with local medical institutions to enhance medical education and provide support to a new pilot program providing women IDP’s gynecologic and psychologic care. We extend a heartfelt thanks to all who welcomed us so warmly and a special thanks to Mariya, our IMR Ukrainian youth ambassador in Uzhhorrod and Pete Bober, Zonta member. We thank you for your ongoing support and have much more to do! Please consider a donation here.