Press Release

UNC Family Physicians receive national award from Midwifery group

On September 26th of this year, the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC) presented Dr. Martha Carlough and the faculty of the University of North Carolina’s Family Medicine department with the prestigious “Collaborating Physician Award” for 2013. Dr. Carlough, an Associate Professor of Family Medicine at UNC, serves as the Medical Director for Women’s Birth & Wellness Center (WBWC) in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. WBWC was founded as North Carolina’s first free-standing birthing center by Maureen Darcey, a certified nurse midwife (CNM) who has been practicing in the state for over 30 years.

North Carolina is one of only six states left in the nation requiring a physician’s signature in order for CNMs to practice their vocation. Dr. Carlough and UNC faculty have been honored by the AABC for their past and current advocacy for the birth center midwifery model of care. AABC Executive Director, Kate E. Bauer said Carlough received the award to recognize and celebrate her “outstanding achievements.”  The award, for which scores of candidates were considered, was presented by Darcey at the 30th annual AABC conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“Martha has kept us on our toes by religiously helping us update our protocols throughout the years, as new methods of care and research evolve,” stated Darcey during the presentation, “She’s the queen of evidence based care.” Darcey went on to praise Carlough’s commitment to maintain the highest and most up-to-date standards of care for WBWC patients and families. Women’s Birth & Wellness Center patients, families and staff are grateful to the UNC Department of Family Medicine for their support and collaboration.

UNC Family Medicine Group and Maureen Darcey, CNM

From left: Margaret Helton, MD, Maureen Darcey, CNM, Martha Carlough, MD, Warren Newton, MD

Women’s Birth & Wellness Center Staff and Martha Carlough, MD

From top left: Rachel VanBree, WHCNP, Mariah Velazquez, CNM, Carey Jefferson, CNM, Martha Carlough, MD, Maureen Darcey, CNM, Teresa Ray, CAN, Donna McBane, CAN, Tracey Jones, CAN,  Kiah Sell-Goodhand.  Bottom row from left: Brianna Honea, MBA, Nancy Albrecht, RN, IBCLC, Layne Shipley-Townsend, Alexandra Henry, CNM