Elisabeth “Brie” Thumm

Dr. Elisabeth “Brie” Thumm ’01 MSN, PhD, CNM, RN, MBA is the maternal health clinical consultant for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, as well as an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Colorado College of Nursing.

Thumm’s dissertation study was the first national study of burnout among certified nurse midwives, and one of the largest single workforce studies ever conducted. Her research examined how work environments affect the wellbeing of midwives and the health outcomes of their patients, as well as the stability of the midwifery workforce.

“I realized the vast majority of my jobs in my career have been through the YSN network,” Thumm said during her remarks. And being an academic researcher, Thumm had calculated the number as 81.8 percent, to be exact.

“My degree from YSN has been the wisest investment I have made,” Thumm said. Not just for my career, but for the people it has brought into my life. People who truly understand me, support me, and challenged me.”