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 Frist College of Medicine

Students learn to collaborate effectively within healthcare teams. Grounded in the school’s mission, vision, and values, the IPE curriculum promotes high standards of communication across the healthcare team.

Belmont University is proud to offer multiple graduate programs in the health sciences, including Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, and Physical Therapy and all health professional schools participate in one or more aspects of the IPE with FCoM students. In addition, in the M2 year, FCoM students will have an opportunity to work with healthcare professional students across several campuses in the Nashville area to ensure team collaboration and communication when caring for the geriatric population.