The American Association of Birth Centers (AABC) presented Dr. Martha Carlough and the faculty of the University of North Carolina’s Department of Family Medicine with the prestigious “Collaborating Physician Award” for 2013.
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 and 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 competitive 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 continuously helping us update our protocols throughout the years, as new methods of care and research evolve,” stated Darcey during the presentation, “She is a leader in evidence-based clinical care.” Darcey went on to praise Carlough’s commitment to maintain the highest quality and most up-to-date standards of care for WBWC patients and families. Women’s Birth and Wellness Center patients, families and staff are grateful to the UNC Department of Family Medicine for their support and collaboration.