COUDERSPORT — UPMC Cole has added Kristine Ball, CNM, to the OB/GYN team.

Certified nurse midwives are health professionals licensed to provide care to women from adolescence through adulthood, including OB/GYN and maternity care. They are educated in intensive medical programs and must pass a national examination.

Ball earned her bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, and obtained a master of science in advanced nursing in midwifery from Stony Brook University, N.Y. Prior to completing her masters, Ball served for five years as a registered nurse with UPMC Cole’s OB/GYN team.

“Where you live should not affect the quality of care you receive and I am dedicated to improving access to women’s health care in rural areas such as Coudersport,” said Ball. “By focusing on education, preventative health care, and general health across the lifespan, my services and expertise extend beyond just the physical health of the women in my care.”