U.S. healthcare providers face gaps in menopause and maternal care

Healthcare providers in the United States are facing challenges in addressing women's health needs, particularly regarding maternal mortality and menopause care. A study published in the journal Menopause indicates that while menopause education is included in many family medicine residency programs, the depth of training is inconsistent and lacks formal competency assessments. This gap is especially significant in areas with limited access to specialized gynecologists.

To address workforce shortages and care gaps, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has launched a new 2.5-year nurse-midwifery program. The program aims to train certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) to provide holistic care across the lifespan, from adolescence through menopause. This initiative follows concerns raised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding high maternal mortality rates and a shrinking obstetric workforce in the U.S.