Spotlight on: Pamela Jurich-Wright, CNM, MS
By Marianne Benjamin
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Jurich-Wright, who received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Nazareth College, earned her master’s degree in midwifery from the University of Rochester in the midwifery program’s second graduating class in 1997. She practiced midwifery in rural clinic settings as well as private practice. She also served as a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA), a perioperative registered nurse who functions in an expanded role, and then joined the University Midwifery Group in 2007.
When she started midwifery school she was already in her early 40s and the mother of two children. “It was a crazy busy time and my kids say they don’t know how I did it, but I had great support from their grandparents,” she said. “I knew this was the career for me, and when you want something that much you can make it work.”
The age range of midwives in the University Midwifery Group is from 20s to 60s. There are 14 in the practice including some working part time and some per-diem. “Our staff is eager to support mothers during the natural process of birth,” said Jurich-Wright. “We are able to spend time with them and help them have the experience they want. Getting to know women and their families and being able to share the most wonderful experience in their lives is my favorite part of my practice.”
“Being a midwife is one of the most fulfilling careers you could ever have and we have so many opportunities to learn different skills,” said Jurich-Wright, who is also certified to perform colposcopies. “The rewards are endless,” she said. “Our patients appreciate the smallest things like listening to them and helping them with their concerns. It is such a gift to be present for these women.” Jurich-Wright also has glowing things to say about her group. “I feel really fortunate to be part of this network of midwives who stand together and support each other with wonderful camaraderie. These women are friends who stand by my side when things are hard in my life and support me all the way. And they are committed to the most incredible patient care.”