The Obstetrics Podcast

Like other areas throughout the U.S., the Magnolia State is dealing with an OB/GYN shortage that's leaving patients stranded in maternity care deserts. Mississippi State Health Officer Dr. Daniel Edney joins OBHG Market Medical Director Dr. Norman Connell to discuss how Maternal Health Access Solutions (MHAS) is providing innovative, customizable solutions in health care facilities to help make sure every mother and baby from the Delta to the Gulf Coast can access the expertise and care they need, where and when they need it.

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Tiffany Tonismae, an OB/GYN clinician specializing in maternal-fetal medicine. Dr. Tonismae is an Assistant Professor at the University of Louisville and serves as the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship Program Director, where she’s helping train the next generation of MFM specialists.

In 2025, Dr. Tonismae joined Obtelecare as a TeleMFM clinician, supporting programs that expand access to high-risk pregnancy care through telemedicine—especially in rural communities.

In this conversation, we’ll talk about access to maternal care, the future of the MFM workforce, and how telemedicine is changing what’s possible for patients and providers.

Dr. Lisbeth McKinnon, OB hospitalist and clinical leader at Ob Hospitalist Group, joins us to discuss how virtual simulations are changing the way OB teams prepare for emergencies. She shares what a typical simulation looks like, the types of situations they focus on, and how this training sharpens clinical skills and teamwork.

We also explore the technology behind virtual simulations, their growing accessibility across hospital settings, and how they’re improving patient care. With her experience, Dr. McKinnon offers practical insights into why OB hospitalists are leading the way in advancing virtual simulation training as well as advice for others looking to start a virtual simulation program.

Christina Adams MD shares her journey into obstetrics, her transition to the OB hospitalist model, and her mission to combat burnout among female physicians. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on wellness, advocacy, and the future of women in medicine.

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of medical missions through the experiences of Dr. Benjamin DeLisa and Dr. Scott Ellis, both board-certified OB/GYNs and OB hospitalists. Having participated in multiple international medical mission trips, Dr. DeLisa and Dr. Ellis share how these experiences reignited their passion for medicine, deepened their sense of purpose, and alleviated the feeling of burnout.

Many OB/GYN residents believe they need years of practice before considering a hospitalist role. But what if we told you that’s a myth? There is a clear and proven path for residents to transition directly from residency to a fulfilling career as an OB/GYN hospitalist. Today, we’ll explore how two early-career physicians sought flexibility, work-life balance, and clinical autonomy, all while making a difference in patient care from day one.

Brandon Reece, Executive Director of Physician Practices at Magnolia Regional Health Center, and Dr. Garrick Slate, a Market Medical Director from Ob Hospitalist Group, join the Obstetrics Podcast to share their perspectives on maintaining access to women’s healthcare in one rural community.

Brandon reflects on some of the challenges the Magnolia team faced and how they sought to overcome them, while Dr. Slate discusses the critical role collaboration plays in improving patient outcomes. Together, they highlight the importance of evidence-based practices and community-focused solutions in ensuring accessible, high-quality care for women.

Jami Walker, VP of Maternal Health Access at Ob Hospitalist Group, discusses the challenges rural hospitals face in providing quality women's health services. Jami shares insights on maternity care deserts, impacts of closing labor and delivery units, and effective solutions for staffing and comprehensive maternity care.

One of the main reasons OB/GYNs become OB hospitalists is for better balance in their personal and professional lives. Full time means seven to eight 24-hour shifts each month with flexible scheduling and no call coverage or office management. OB hospitalists have time for fun with family and friends while still making a huge difference in the lives of women and babies.

Doctors and midwives are invaluable complements for any care team, especially during pregnancy. From childbirth to emergency surgery to everything in between, many women work with both to get the best care possible. Learn how Certified Nurse Midwives, or CNMs, and OB/GYN physicians collaborate in labor and delivery to provide the best hospital patient care.