GREENVILLE, Pa.—Students from Thiel College’s graduate programs in physician assistant studies and speech-language pathology as well as students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program gathered recently for an interprofessional education event aimed at fostering collaboration across healthcare disciplines.
The 90-minute session included team-building activities and guided discussions designed to introduce students to interprofessional values, ethics, and collaborative care strategies. Program Director, Department Chair and Associate Professor of Physician Assistant Studies Jim Tkacik, D.M.Sc., Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies Alysandra Andrusky, and Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies Jennifer Shellenbarger, Associate Professor Communication Sciences and Disorders and Director of Clinical Education for speech-language pathology Julie Kobak and Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Program Director for the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology Amy Tepper, Ed.D. facilitated the event. Nicole Olshanksi, D.N.P., Program Director, Assistant Professor of Nursing and Department Chair, was unable to attend but also helped plan the event.
The session marked the first of two planned meetings and was intended as an introductory experience to help students better understand each other’s roles and responsibilities in healthcare delivery. Activities focused on self-awareness, communication, and teamwork, including one that culminated in building a puzzle that emphasized the core components of interprofessional collaboration.
Students explored how personality traits can influence professional interactions and patient care. Working in cross-disciplinary teams, they also examined ethical values and shared perspectives on patient-centered care.
“When students from different health professions learn with, from, and about each other, they begin to see collaboration not as an extra step—but as essential to quality patient care,” Kobak said. “This IPE program equips our future providers with the shared values and mutual respect needed to truly function as a team.”
Survey feedback from participants reflected the impact of the experience:
The IPE program’s goals are based on national interprofessional education core competencies: values and ethics, roles and responsibilities, interprofessional communication, and teamwork.
The second IPE session is scheduled for Oct. 31 and will feature a collaborative simulation focused on stroke care.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.