In October, Frontier Nursing University welcomed FNU alumna Dr. Eva Fried, DNP, CNM, WHNP as the Clinical Director for the Department of Midwifery and Women’s Health. We sat down with Dr. Fried to get to know her better. Read our Q&A below!

I love animals and fiber arts so this visit to an alpaca farm in North Carolina was perfect for me!
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
In addition to my work at FNU, currently work in a rural GYN practice a few days per month, and I work occasionally as a hospitalist nurse-midwife. My wife and I have 6 adult children, and I have TONS of hobbies – if it’s a thing a person can make, I want to make it!
Why did you want to become a Nurse-Midwife?
I was born at home with a midwife and always had access to my birth photos as a child. When I was a young adult I had a housemate who was pregnant and chose midwifery care. One day I thought “Wait! This is what I’m meant to do!” On my journey to becoming a nurse-midwife, I was a direct entry midwife, certified professional midwife, doula, childbirth educator, women’s health nurse practitioner, and doctorally prepared nursing faculty. I also earned a bachelor’s degree in women’s studies, and THEN I went back to school (FNU!) and became a nurse-midwife, so I understand a circuitous path!
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My assistant Clover is usually on my lap during meetings.
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We like to be outdoors with our kids in all weather.
What do you like most about being a Nurse-Midwife?
I am so grateful to have work that offers the opportunity to have meaningful relationships and really connect with people.
What do you like most about working at FNU?
I love the opportunity to work with so many leaders in my field and touch the learning journey of so many students.

I enjoy sewing and knitting, among other crafts, I made everything I’m wearing in this photo (except the shoes!).
If a student is looking at coming to FNU, what is one thing you would tell them about the Nurse-Midwife or Women’s Health Care program?
Every reading and assignment in our program is carefully designed to meet students’ learning needs and ability to be successful as an entry-level clinician. Because of the size of our program, there are more expert faculty in nurse-midwifery and women’s health at FNU than in any other program in the U.S. In addition, we offer tremendous flexibility to accommodate students who need to work while they are in school.
What is an interesting fact about you?
Before all those other roles I told you about, I didn’t graduate from high school. I got my GED.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Sewing is #1. I make quilts, bags, and apparel. I also crochet, knit, embroider, cross-stitch, bake, cook and so many other things. If you meet me on zoom you’ll see my bookshelf behind me, but the rest of the room is floor-to-ceiling fabric, yarn etc., and that gives me all the heart eyes!
What is your favorite book or podcast?
I read a lot of brainy articles and books about midwifery and higher education so when it’s podcast time, it’s all sewing. If you sew, check out the Love to Sew podcast.
Thank you, Dr. Fried, for taking the time to allow us to get to know you better! We are excited to have you at FNU. To learn more about FNU’s nurse-midwifery or women’s health care nurse practitioner program, visit our website!