BACKGROUND:
Existing literature has not explored experiences of doctoral research from a midwifery perspective, due to assimilation with other health professionals. Outside academia, midwives commonly do not work with postdoctoral colleagues, with many regarding a PhD as irrelevant to their practice, or unattainable. This lack of visibility and future career uncertainty means many never consider undertaking a PhD, which ultimately reduces midwifery-led research and personal and professional development.

OBJECTIVES:
To explore international doctoral-prepared midwives ' commencement, completion, and postdoctoral journeys.

METHODS:
Sequential qualitative exploration of retrospective podcast data using descriptive and thematic analysis. A follow-up questionnaire was sent to participants following podcast publication.

RESULTS:
Respondents from Australia, UK, NZ, Scandinavia, USA and Europe with PhDs conferred between 4 and 43 years. Qualifications included PhD, Prof Docs and DNPs, with holders working in various settings before, during, and after their course. Many undertaking doctoral studies cited serendipity and opportunity, as there was no clear postdoctoral pathway. Funding and institutional support were significant factors in commencing and completing, with internal and external support and belief crucial throughout. Many voiced concerns about absence from clinical practice whilst studying and experienced uncertainty about professional roles post-award, including developing a postdoctoral identity.

CONCLUSIONS:
Understanding motivators for midwives to undertake doctoral education is linked to where they see themselves working post-qualifications. Personal and professional support networks (including employers' cognisance of transferable skills doctoral midwives bring) are needed, with development and recognition of clear postdoctoral pathways. You can't be what you can't see!

KEY MESSAGE:
Midwifery is an evidence-based profession, midwives are optimally placed to address issues around problems that increasingly change practice. Employers must understand how doctoral midwives can enhance areas beyond academia. Doctoral pathways are for the passionate and determined! Education - postgraduate (including three-minute presentation competition)