Lauren Columbus is the Academic Practice Lead with the Department of Midwifery and a Registered Midwife with the T.I.M.E. Program Expanded Midwifery Care Model at London Health Sciences Centre. She is also an Adjunct Clinical Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. She holds a Masters of Health Professions Education at Maastricht University. Her areas of research and academic interest include quality assurance and quality improvement, simulation, team dynamics in birthing units, and psychological safety in interprofessional teams.

Lauren leads the department’s education and professional practice portfolio. She develops and oversees mentorship, onboarding, and continuing professional development programs for midwives and learners, ensuring alignment with academic standards and clinical excellence. Her leadership bridges academic partnerships with McMaster University and other educational institutions, supporting student placements, clinical teaching, and evidence-based practice integration. Lauren also contributes to workforce development and leadership capacity building within the department.