Rate My Professor Gemma Simms

Lecturer Gemma Simms serves in the Curtin School of Nursing within the Faculty of Health Sciences at Curtin University in Perth. She is designated as a media expert by the university, with expertise encompassing midwifery, pregnancy care, abortion, contraception, birth, postnatal care, and LGBTQIA+ perinatal care. Her office is located in Room 409, Building 405 (Nursing), and her professional telephone contact is 08 9266 4181. Simms is actively pursuing a Master of Philosophy in Health Sciences through the School of Nursing & Midwifery at Curtin University, which she commenced on January 8, 2023.

In her academic contributions, Gemma Simms co-authored the publication titled "A qualitative descriptive study exploring student experiences of video-recorded clinical skills assessments," published in Next Research in June 2026. The study focused on second-semester Bachelor of Midwifery students at Curtin University who participated in video-recorded assessments for clinical skills such as abdominal palpation and vaginal examination. Employing a descriptive qualitative design, researchers conducted four online focus groups, with ethical approval from the Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee. Thematic analysis yielded nine key themes: authenticity and practicality of the assessments, self-reflection opportunities, confidence gains, preparation strategies, technical and logistical aspects, social dynamics among peers, impact on clinical practice, challenges including technical issues and manikin realism, and a strong preference for video assessments over traditional OSCEs. Participants highlighted the authenticity, flexibility, and self-review benefits, which fostered metacognition, skill development, deeper learning, enhanced confidence, and reduced anxiety. Additionally, Simms works as a midwife at Fiona Stanley Hospital, integrating clinical practice with her teaching and research roles.