Lisa Zerden and Denise Dews

Clinical associate professor Lisa Zerden and clinical assistant professor Denise Dews have been tapped to serve as members of UNC’s newly launched Health Affairs Interprofessional Education (IPE) Steering Committee.

The committee represents the campus’ Health Affairs Schools, which have joined forces to help make interprofessional education and collaboration the norm for all students. The committee also aims to break down silos among the health professions, which UNC leaders said is critical for improving health care and improving health care access, particularly for under-served populations.

The IPE Steering Committee was formed by the Health Affairs Collaborative to develop a strategic plan for interprofessional activities. The IPE Steering Committee will:
•    Examine accreditation standards and strategize ways to meet IPE competencies through a unified approach;
•    Develop a strategic plan for IPE implementation, including protected IPE days and meeting space;
•    Serve as a liaison to the schools to connect faculty for IPE activities;
•    Articulate a clear outcome vision for students exposed to IPE;
•    Ensure leveling of IPE content to match learning need; and
•    Provide exemplary linkages to how IPE can improve health care and access to care.

Deans from each of the professional schools, departments, and programs identified “IPE directors” to serve on the committee. Zerden and Dews join a dozen other colleagues from the Health Affairs campus who will work to help faculty and students connect with other individuals interested in collaborative opportunities. Want to learn more? Send an email to UNC_IPE@unc.edu or visit http://interprofessionalha.web.unc.edu/.