In an effort to promote collaborative learning among healthcare students, the University of North Dakota’s School of Medicine & Health Sciences hosted its first Interprofessional Healthcare Day. Over 350 students participated, with representation from various health disciplines, including pharmacy, nursing, and medicine.
“We had to cap it,” said organizer Morgan Mastrud, referencing the high turnout and interest in the event. Mastrud’s fellow organizer, Alexus Meduna, echoed the sentiment, pointing out the overwhelming response from students across different programs. Meduna proposed future events might be limited to second-year students to accommodate more participants from other health disciplines.
The event sought to provide students with practical opportunities for interprofessional collaboration, a skill highlighted in the School’s curriculum. The day included medical simulation scenarios, a case competition, discussions with a panel of health providers, and a keynote address. Meduna emphasized the origin of the idea came from discussions with Dr. Eric Johnson and Michelle Montgomery, both key figures in the school’s interprofessional initiatives.
Dr. Johnson explained, “What makes IPE at SMHS successful is that there is no hierarchical approach here.” Montgomery highlighted the importance of understanding each profession’s role, saying, “The planning of this event by students from a variety of UND health programs was key.”
Research shows that interprofessional education can lead to improved collaboration and patient outcomes. Faculty member Sclinda Janssen pointed out the momentum for interprofessional education. Janssen shared student feedback describing such training as invaluable.
Maridee Shogren, from UND’s College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines, affirmed the significance of these practices across the university: “Any time we can give health care students at UND an opportunity to meet, learn about each other’s roles and work together through educational activities like simulation, we are planting the seeds for collaboration once they are licensed health care providers.”
Meduna and Mastrud also noted the demand for more interprofessional training, acknowledging the differing schedules and curricula among students but recognizing the value in fostering collaboration to prepare for future teamwork in clinical settings.
