MEADOW

There are more deaths per capita related to childbirth in the U.S. each year than in any other high-income country. Research has shown that certified nurse-midwives can address nationwide maternity care shortages and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes, including decreasing maternal mortality.

 

VUSN has partnered with clinic sites from rural and medically underserved areas so MEADOW trainees will have clinical rotations and sessions in these areas and with these populations. MEADOW students will receive high-quality clinical training with a focus on providing locally appropriate, context-responsive care that meets the perinatal health needs of rural and medically underserved populations.

  • What are the goals of the grant?

    The MEADOW program goal is to train nurse-midwives through trainee scholarships, stipends, curricular enhancement, and community-based training.

  • Who qualifies for this grant?

    Full-time nurse-midwifery and dual midwifery/FNP* students from rural or underserved areas or populations historically under-represented in midwifery.

    Full-time nurse-midwifery and dual midwifery/FNP * students who wish to work in rural or underserved areas or with medically underserved populations and/or individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP).

    For more information about what sites qualify, please see the page titled,  HRSA’s website, along with their tool to  The designations most relevant are: primary care HPSA (health professional shortage area), PC MCTA (primary care maternity care target areas), and MUA/P (medically underserved area or population). 

    Ten students will be selected as MEADOW trainees each fall in 2024, 2025, and 2026 (contingent on continued federal funding), and support will be provided to trainees for three semesters.

    *Dual nurse-midwifery/FNP students can qualify for the grant during their nurse-midwifery clinical semesters.

  • What support does this grant provide?

    Grant recipients, known as trainees, receive stipends during the three semesters of midwifery clinical courses.

    Stipends total about $56,000 over the course of three clinical semesters.

    Small stipends are also provided to preceptors of the MEADOW trainees.

  • How does this grant affect midwifery education for recipients?

    Trainees receive the same excellent coursework as all midwifery students to be able to provide person-centered, evidence-based care, including incorporation of social and structural determinants of health, culturally and linguistically appropriate care, and improve reproductive health care in the communities they serve.

    Placement in rural or underserved areas or with underserved populations for clinical rotations

    Coursework dedicated to advanced behavioral health to expand the trainee’s knowledge of treatment of mental health disorders (3-credit hour course; tuition is grant-funded)

    Simulations focused on care in rural areas and with underserved populations – including telehealth and regional perinatal referral simulations

    Exam fees to become a certified medical interpreter are paid by the grant (if applicable for the student)

    Opportunities to learn about employment in rural and underserved areas and with underserved populations from providers working in these areas.

  • How and when do I apply?

    We will issue a call for applications by email prior to the start of your first semester in the midwifery program. The call for applications will be sent to your vanderbilt.edu email address. Aspiring trainees can use responses from their original VUSN application to apply or write new essays.

  • Can I have this grant and other grants?

    Yes! This grant is compatible with other grants and financial aid programs, including the National Health Service Corps, federal financial aid, and other HRSA scholarships

Grant leaders:

  • Hannah McGrew – Program Coordinator | hannah.c.mcgrew@vanderbilt.edu
  • Julia Phillippi – Project Director

Formal grant information:

Department of Health and Human Services
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
Maternity Care Nursing Workforce Expansion (MatCare) Training Program HRSA-23-120