Dr Olivia Thorpe

I am a Registered Midwife whose career spans clinical midwifery, academic education, and health research. I hold a Bachelor of Midwifery, a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours), a PhD, a Graduate Diploma in Environmental Health Practice, and a Professional Certificate in University Teaching.

My professional journey began in health research and public health education before transitioning into clinical midwifery, where I now provide compassionate care across antenatal, intrapartum, postnatal, and special care nursery settings.

Alongside my clinical work, I have over a decade of experience in higher education at the University of South Australia. I have worked as an Academic Tutor within the Aboriginal Tutorial Program for ten years and have contributed to numerous research projects, university-wide impact reporting, and academic development initiatives. I am deeply committed to mentoring students and improving outcomes in both perinatal health and the student experience.

My professional interests include integrating research into midwifery practice; continuity of care in midwifery-led models, including for women experiencing miscarriage or loss; supporting women through complex or unexpected antenatal journeys; perinatal mental health and wellbeing; cultural safety in maternity care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women; and birth trauma prevention and healing.

Qualifications

• Doctorate by Research University of South Australia

• Graduate Diploma of Environmental Health Flinders University

• Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours University of South Australia

• Bachelor of Health Science University of South Australia

Work history

I am a Registered Midwife whose career spans clinical midwifery, academic education, and health research. I hold a Bachelor of Midwifery, a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours), a PhD, a Graduate Diploma in Environmental Health Practice, and a Professional Certificate in University Teaching.

My professional journey began in health research and public health education before transitioning into clinical midwifery, where I now provide compassionate care across antenatal, intrapartum, postnatal, and special care nursery settings.

Alongside my clinical work, I have over a decade of experience in higher education at the University of South Australia. I have worked as an Academic Tutor within the Aboriginal Tutorial Program for ten years and have contributed to numerous research projects, university-wide impact reporting, and academic development initiatives. I am deeply committed to mentoring students and improving outcomes in both perinatal health and the student experience.

My professional interests include integrating research into midwifery practice; continuity of care in midwifery-led models, including for women experiencing miscarriage or loss; supporting women through complex or unexpected antenatal journeys; perinatal mental health and wellbeing; cultural safety in maternity care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women; and birth trauma prevention and healing.