Emilie Harvey, CNM

With a love for math and science, Emilie Harvey, CNM, had to decide between a career in engineering or medicine while in high school. “After a loved one of mine had surgery and I was put in a caregiving position temporarily, the answer was clear,” she says.

In addition, her mother and a sister are both nurses. Emilie’s decision to specialize in midwifery was directly related to having sisters who were much old than her, who were always pregnant, she says. “I’m now the proud aunt to 11 nieces and nephews ranging in age from 4 to 24 years old. I became familiar with the discomforts and joys of pregnancy through them,” Emilie says.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis and then went on to Georgetown University for her Master of Science in Nursing.

As a midwife, she supports an individual's reproductive health including the childbirth process. “I take a personal approach to providing care for my patients,” Emilie says. “My goal is to provide the tools and expertise to support your health. I believe in providing quality, personalized care to each of my patients.”

Emilie recognizes there is still a lot of misconception about the role of midwives and , in particular, a Certified Nurse Midwife. “People are often surprised that most midwives deliver in hospitals,” she says. So, she explains the role and connects with the community in various ways to educate and provide care.

“I am thankful for my professional education’s focus on social justice issues. I’ve developed a passion for prison reform and immigrant/refugee health as a result of this,” Emilie says.

Her patients have taught her strength and she says that being witness to labor and delivery is beyond inspiring. She also finds inspiration in patients who balance their families and work schedules to come to a routine health screening. “It’s a form of self-care. I hope they leave our appointments with their questions answered and having felt listened to,” Emilie says.

In her own words…

Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? My grandmother is the most influential person in my life. She has encouraged me in all my pursuits and listened to and loved me through them.

What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? My first job growing up was working as hostess at a busy breakfast restaurant in Zionsville, IN, during high school.

What is your favorite food? Movie? My favorite food is short ribs and mashed potatoes.

My favorite movie is The Holiday.

What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My best subjects were math and science. My worst subject was history - but I enjoyed it!

If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? I would have loved to have dinner with Anthony Bourdain. I just know we would eat well and I would’ve loved to hear about his travels first-hand.

In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? I’m passionate about prison reform and all things self-care.

What are your hobbies, interests? I love to read and am part of a book club that meets with incarcerated individuals. I also am an avid traveler and love to cook.

Do you have pets?  I have a puppy!

What is something most people don’t know about you? I love music! I play piano, violin and sing.