Rate My Professor Kate Hulme

Kate Hulme is a Professional Practice Fellow and Midwife Tutor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Otago's Christchurch campus. She brings over 30 years of hands-on experience in midwifery to her academic role, having qualified as a midwife in 1992 following her training in London. Kate's career is marked by diverse professional experiences across international settings. In London, she played a key role in establishing a dedicated midwifery centre. Upon moving to New Zealand, she engaged in Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) work, providing continuity of care to expectant mothers. Additionally, she has served in various capacities at both tertiary-level facilities, such as Christchurch Women's Hospital, and primary hospitals in both Christchurch and London. Presently, she continues her clinical practice as a midwife and charge midwife at Christchurch Women's Hospital, where she manages teams and delivers direct patient care in obstetrics.

In addition to her clinical commitments, Kate is deeply involved in medical education at the University of Otago. Her teaching portfolio centers on obstetric clinical areas, where she instructs groups comprising midwives, medical students, and junior doctors. A significant aspect of her role involves imparting a midwifery perspective to fifth-year medical students and to physicians completing the Diploma of Obstetrics, helping to integrate clinical insights with academic learning. Kate also contributes to postgraduate women's health education as part of the teaching staff for the extramural paper OBGY 712: Pre and Early Pregnancy Care. She is responsible for Module 4, titled Early Pregnancy - Normal Pregnancy. This module addresses critical subjects including the anatomical and physiological adaptations occurring in early pregnancy, the developmental processes of the fetus and placenta during initial stages, and comprehensive guidance for women on maintaining health and well-being in the early phases of pregnancy. Through these educational efforts, Kate positions herself as an invaluable resource and supportive figure for medical students, drawing upon her extensive clinical background to enhance their understanding and skills in midwifery and obstetric care.