By Dr. Luis Arabit & Dr. Courtney Boitano, Department of Occupational Therapy
The College of Health and Human Sciences, partnered with the Connie L. Lurie College of Education, hosted the Interprofessional Collaboration Symposium for World Health Day on April 12th. This symposium was an opportunity to join colleagues and students in interprofessional dialogue from the departments of Audiology, Communicative Disorders & Sciences, Child and Adolescent Development, Social Work, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Recreation Therapy, Public Health, and Kinesiology.
The inaugural Interprofessional Collaboration Symposium held recently was a resounding success, bringing together attendees from various healthcare disciplines for a day of enriching discussions and hands-on learning experiences. Hosted with the aim of promoting dialogue and collaboration across disciplines, the symposium proved to be a valuable platform for students and instructors alike.
Throughout the event, attendees engaged in discussions that bridged different disciplines, allowing them to explore how their respective theories and frameworks could be applied to diverse populations and conditions. Moreover, participants had the opportunity to interact with testing equipment used in biofeedback, hearing screenings, and vestibular evaluation, enhancing their understanding of diagnostic tools and procedures across disciplines.
The symposium’s learning objectives were carefully crafted to facilitate holistic learning and preparation for interprofessional collaboration settings. By increasing awareness of healthcare professional roles in various settings, fostering dialogue around collaboration, and providing practical experiences, the event aimed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective teamwork in educational, fieldwork, externship, and service learning environments.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the opportunity to network with peers from different departments and gain insights into interdisciplinary collaboration. The symposium’s success serves as a testament to the dedication and vision of its organizers, who worked tirelessly to create a meaningful and impactful learning experience for all participants.
Dr. Audrey Shillington, the Dean of CHHS stated, “as the symposium sets a precedent for future collaborative endeavors, it heralds a new era of interdepartmental networking and collaboration within the healthcare community. Congratulations to the organizers for their efforts in orchestrating such a successful and impactful event, and here’s to many more opportunities for learning and collaboration in the future!”
