PURPOSE:
KEY MESSAGE

BACKGROUND:
The SMILE (Student Midwife Led) Clinic is an innovative antenatal care model where postgraduate students act as primary care providers, supported by a single experienced midwife. Operating from privately provided community spaces, this pilot bridges public and private maternity systems to deliver personalised, student-led continuity care. Objective To explore the outcomes of the SMILE Clinic with a focus on the facilitator midwife role, the student experience, and the unique partnerships that support integrated, woman-centred care.

METHODS:
The clinic was implemented at Westmead Women’s and Newborn Health in collaboration with private sector clinicians who offered space in their practices. Students led all aspects of antenatal care, with the facilitator midwife providing reflective supervision and modelling woman-centred communication. Virtual consultations with a staff obstetrician were integrated, enabling real-time support for complex care planning. Evaluation drew on student and patient feedback, facilitator reflections, and clinical outcomes.

DISCUSSION:
The model is underpinned by mutual trust, reflective practice, and intersectoral collaboration. Combining public service delivery with private clinical infrastructure, and embedding virtual specialist input, allowed the SMILE Clinic to thrive despite systemic barriers. The facilitator role was key to balancing safety, support, and autonomy.

RESULTS:
Students gained confidence, autonomy, and clinical insight through meaningful continuity experiences. Women reported high satisfaction and trust in student-led care. As the facilitator midwife, stepping back allowed students to lead safely, while reigniting a personal sense of joy and purpose in practice through mentoring and observing truly woman-centred care in action.