Empowering Women's Health: Christiann Rosemurgy's Trailblazing Story in Medicine
9/1/2023
Christiann Rosemurgy, Aspirus certified nurse midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner
As we kick off
American Medical Association’s Women in Medicine Month, it's essential to shine
a light on the diverse and unconventional paths that many incredible women have
taken in the field of health care. One such inspiring journey is that of Christiann
Rosemurgy, a dedicated certified nurse midwife and women’s health nurse
practitioner at Aspirus Health in the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan.
Christiann's path into
medicine began at Drake University, where she pursued her undergraduate degree
in biology. While she initially entertained the idea of attending medical
school, life had a different plan for her. Marriage and motherhood became her focus,
but her passion for health care never waned. Years later, Christiann's career
aspirations were reignited, leading her down a transformative path toward
nursing.
Amidst her journey,
Christiann encountered a local college offering an RN course. Her very first
job was in an office setting, an experience that would expand her perspective
on the versatile roles nursing can entail.
“That’s where I
started to enjoy the art of nursing,” says Christiann. “I learned nursing can
be a lot of different things – not just traditional nursing in a hospital.”
For an impressive 19
years, Christiann dedicated herself to office nursing, with her later years
focused on obstetrics and gynecology. It was during this period that her
passion and dedication caught the attention of the physicians she worked with.
Encouraged to pursue higher education, Christiann embarked on a remarkable
journey to enhance her skills and knowledge.
Christiann's pursuit
of education led her to Georgetown University, where she pursued a dual degree
as a women's health nurse practitioner and certified nurse midwife. This was no
ordinary educational journey – it was a hybrid program that required her to
travel and commit herself to hands-on training away from her family in
Charleston, South Carolina. The sacrifices were significant, but they paved the
way for her to become the first certified nurse midwife in the Keweenaw area of
the UP.
“It was not a position
that anyone had held before me, which was part of the reason I had to travel
away to finish my education and hands-on training,” says Christiann. “I think
it was a leap of faith for the people at Aspirus who said, ‘sure, we're going
to take a chance on this lady,’ and I'm so grateful that they did. They allowed
me to do what I do now and surrounded me with support and people who have
helped me along the way, so I'm pretty proud of that.”
Christiann's approach
to her profession is deeply rooted in her life experiences and values. As a
woman in women's health care, she brings a unique perspective – one shaped by
her own health journey, her role as a wife and mother, and her empathetic nature.
Her ability to listen and truly hear her patients is a hallmark of her
practice, offering a safe space for women to share their concerns and
experiences.
“I think in medicine
we all bring our own life experiences to the table. And as a woman in the
women's health care field, I bring the perspective of someone who’s ‘been
there, done that.’ I've experienced the symptoms you've had. I've had different
health conditions perhaps, so oftentimes I can relate to the patient,” says
Christiann.
Christiann's journey
hasn't been without its hurdles. Midwives have often faced misconceptions and
stereotypes, but she's steadfast in her role, armed with the knowledge and
skills to provide comprehensive care. The lessons instilled by her father –
that excellence knows no boundaries, regardless of one's chosen path – have
been instrumental in Christiann's approach to her work. Her commitment to
self-improvement, education and patient care sets her apart as a role model not
only for aspiring medical professionals but for all women striving to make a
difference.
“My advice to girls
and women wanting to get into medicine is to always be secure in who you are.
Know where your place is, what you know and what you don't know. Be real.
Believe in yourself. Continue to be curious and humble.” Above all else,
Christiann wants women to know that “you can do anything you want to do.”
As we honor Christiann
during Women in Medicine Month, her story serves as a testament to
determination and innovation in health care. She reminds us that diverse routes
lead to remarkable destinations and that women continue to revolutionize
medicine in remarkable ways.
Christiann Rosemurgy
sees patients in the Aspirus Houghton and Ontonagon Clinics. Visit her profile
at aspirus.org to learn more or schedule an appointment.
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