Interprofessional Education

The Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine has identified interprofessional education (IPE) as one of its core values. The medical school is on a university campus rich in health science professions education. Belmont University has robust, award-winning, nationally-accredited nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, public health, and social work programs. The university values and supports interprofessional education (IPE) for health sciences students. Medical students will benefit from being integrated into well-established IPE experiences such as IPE case studies, simulations, panel discussions, joint speakerships, and continuing professional education. The FCoM will participate in these activities and design future experiences unique to the curriculum.

What is Interprofessional Education (IPE)?

“Interprofessional education occurs when students from two or more professions learn about, from, and with each other to enable effective collaboration and improve health outcomes. Once students understand how to work interprofessionally, they are ready to enter the workplace as a member of the collaborative practice team. This is a key step in moving health systems from fragmentation to a position of strength.”

Source: World Health Organization (WHO). (2010). Framework for action on interprofessional education & collaborative practice. Geneva: World Health Organization.

IPE at Belmont University

Interprofessional education is a long-held strength between the College of Health Sciences & Nursing and the College of Pharmacy, which have an interprofessional sequence creating opportunities for their students. Interprofessional events are designed to meet the published core competencies of the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC), and include activities to learn the roles and responsibilities of interprofessional team members, and participate in poverty and end of life simulations. Health professions students have also participated in acute care simulations, Go Baby Go initiatives, medical service trips, and spirituality and occupational wellness events.