Growing up in Virginia Beach, Arielle Flom never imagined she'd find her purpose on the windswept plains and mountain towns of rural Colorado. But standing in a clinic in Montrose, on Colorado's Western Slope, the city girl-turned-midwife realized she was exactly where she needed to be.
“I became a nurse to become a midwife. I want to do everything my midwifery degree can give me.”
Those are some passionate things Flom says about midwifery. It’s what she’s always wanted to do – and it’s something that allows her to make connections with patients in communities that need her most.
“Midwifery allows women and individuals to be more seen and heard,” she says. “It’s a movement giving voices to people who have historically been overlooked or oppressed.”
From Coastal Virginia to the Colorado Countryside
Flom, who now calls Fort Collins home, wanted to expand her scope of practice by earning her MS in Nurse-Midwifery from the University of Colorado Anschutz College of Nursing. She’s part of the Rural Midwifery Track and received a scholarship specifically designated for those interested in serving rural communities—a path that might seem unexpected for someone raised in a bustling coastal city.
“I want to make sure the community I’m working in is seen, heard, empowered, and taken care of.”
“I really like the positives that rural areas offer,” she says. “There’s a slower pace of living, great communities, and nature. I’m also able to expand my scope of practice and work in an underserved area.”
Flom was drawn to CU Anschutz Nursing’s nurse-midwifery program because of the college’s mission, values, and support system.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better community,” she says. “People deserve quality healthcare, and the college has given me the tools to make sure my patients are seen and taken care of.”
A Future Rooted in Rural Care
Flom says midwifery is critical in rural areas due to a provider shortage and because midwifery care involves shared decision-making, allowing patients to be active participants in their own care.
“I grew up in the city, and I bring my own life experiences and perspectives to midwifery care,” she says. “I can see things others may not notice and help empower women and their families. I don’t want anyone to fall through the cracks and lose access to care.”
Flom did her clinical rotation in Montrose, Colorado, on the state’s Western Slope. She was able to fully immerse herself in the community and see the unique needs of the community.
“I loved being there,” she says. “As a Black individual, I brought a different perspective to the community. Forming these partnerships and connections is so critical to delivering quality care because it has such an impact on the well-being of women and their families.”
Flom plans on staying in Colorado after graduation and wants to gain additional midwifery experience so she can bring her full scope of practice to rural communities in need.
“I want to be immersed in my community and work anywhere women and families need help. I’ll be there because I want to do everything I can to help them.”
