Principal Investigator- Michael Klein, M.D., C.C.F.P., F.C.F.P., F.A.A.P. (Neonatal/Perinatal), F.C.P.S., is a researcher, educator and physician based at the Child and Family Research Institute at Children’s & Women’s Hospital and the UBC Departments of Family Practice and Pediatrics where he is Emeritus Professor and Senior Scientist Emeritus.  He is best known for his work on the failure of episiotomy as a strategy to prevent perineal trauma, which has contributed to a dramatic reduction in episiotomy use and resultant drop in rectal trauma.  He is PI on a national 4 year CIHR study of the beliefs and attitudes of physicians, midwives, obstetrical nurses, doulas and women as well as a two year Vancouver Foundation and Michael Smith Foundation grant that explores the role of maternity care in rural community sustainability and decision-making in low volume maternity care settings.  Dr. Klein has received numerous awards, including Honorary Rural Physician and the Morris Wood Award for Lifetime Contributions to Primary Care Research from the North American Primary Care Research Group, Family Physician Researcher of the Year from the College of Family Physicians of Canada and The Founders Award from DONA International (the international organization of doulas). Michael's Website can be found at: www.michaelcklein.ca

Project Manager - Jessica Rosinski, received her Master's degree in Political Science from Simon Fraser University.  She specialized in political leaders' psychology and decision making tactics, international relations and social movement leadership.  Her B.A. from McMaster University focused the Canadian and American health care systems and reproductive rights as human rights. Jessica's professional research experience in gender and health has included analyses of gender mainstreaming policies in Canada, in the United Nations' development programs, and in the Commonwealth Secretariat.  Her interest in maternity care research was sparked by the legislation of Midwifery in Canada, and the portrayal of birth in the media.  Jessica aims to connect policy makers, women, and men with maternity care research in a way that is accessible and influential.

Research Assistant - Jocelyn Tomkinson, MPH Candidate, B.Sc., is the newest member of our research team, has a background in global health, clinical research and health development work.

Research Assistant - Andrea Procyk, MAP Candidate 

Research Assistant - Aoife Chamberlaine, received a BA from the University of British Columbia in Women’s and Gender Studies, and Critical Studies in Sexuality.  She is excited to apply this knowledge to the Maternity Care Research Group.  Aoife has special interests in feminist theory and activism, and hopes to bring this knowledge to Ryerson, where she will be starting a degree in Midwifery in Fall 2008.  A DONA trained Birth and Postpartum Doula, Aoife has spent much of the past year working with pregnant youth and young mothers.