Sparking Innovations in Interprofessional Education and Practice
News
University of Minnesota moves health science students beyond silos
September 22, 2026
For decades, the University of Minnesota has been a healthcare leader, in part because of its recognition that health professional collaboration across diverse fields leads to delivering innovative care. "Since 1970, the University of Minnesota has been at the forefront of interprofessional education, bringing the health sciences together through both physical proximity and a shared commitment to preparing students to learn and ultimately work in interprofessional teams,” says Brian Sick, co-director of the University’s Center for Interprofessional Health (CIH) and vice provost for academic health sciences. “This vision preceded the Institute of Medicine’s landmark 1972 report on this same topic, a national effort that also involved the University’s dean of the College of Pharmacy."
Improving Nurse Wellbeing at Allina Health
Aug. 11, 2026
As part of the Interprofessional Internship Program, medical student Megan Axberg partnered with Allina Health to support an initiative focused on improving nurse wellbeing through employee-centered interventions. Mikalyn Frye, BSN Candidate from the School of Nursing, and Clare Lechner, MPH Candidate from the School of Public Health, also contributed to the project.
Interprofessional Internship Program offers model for community-based healthcare education
Aug. 10, 2026
As healthcare becomes increasingly team-based, interprofessional education is recognized as an important part of health professions training. A new study published in Academic Medicine highlights how the University of Minnesota's Interprofessional Internship Program prepares students for collaborative, team-based healthcare while helping community organizations address health priorities across Minnesota.
Advancing Age- and Dementia-Friendly Practice with ECHO and DHS Partnerships
July 13, 2026
As part of the Interprofessional Internship Program, public health student Sagal Jama and medical student Sey Lee partnered with the Minnesota Northstar Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (MNGWEP) Project ECHO and the Minnesota Department of Human Services to support age- and dementia-friendly care across the state. Project ECHO is a telementoring model that connects local health care providers with interdisciplinary specialists for education and case-based learning. Through this partnership, they contributed to a two-part evaluation of ECHO sessions focused on improving program delivery and understanding participant engagement and motivation.
Bridging the Gap: Rural Hospitals, External Partnerships, and Value-Based Care at Wilderness Health
June 18, 2026
As part of the Interprofessional Internship Program, dental student Eseosa Enabulele, medical student Kale Offstein, and public health student Gurjot Singh partnered with Wilderness Health to explore how rural hospitals without affiliated clinics can succeed in value-based care, a model that emphasizes improving patient outcomes while controlling costs. Wilderness Health is a collaborative of independent providers working to strengthen healthcare systems across northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. Through a landscape analysis, literature review, and stakeholder interviews, the team developed recommendations to support rural hospitals navigating evolving care models.
Assessing Rural Health and Community Needs in Bigfork Valley
June 17, 2026
As part of the Interprofessional Internship Program, nursing student Sadie Collins and dentistry student Olumide Olurotimi partnered with Bigfork Valley to conduct a comprehensive community needs assessment. Serving a critical access region in northern Itasca County, Bigfork Valley plays a vital role in delivering health care and community services.