Andrea Li is a Dentistry Student and an Interprofessional Education (IPE) Scholar.
What do you enjoy most about interprofessional activities?
What I enjoy most about interprofessional activities is the opportunity to learn how different healthcare professionals approach patient care and problem-solving. Each profession brings a unique perspective and set of skills, and working together often leads to more thoughtful and comprehensive solutions. I especially enjoy the discussions that happen when students from different fields share their training and experiences, as it helps broaden my understanding of how collaborative care can better support patients.
How do interprofessional activities enhance your learning and/or training?
Interprofessional activities enhance my training by helping me see how dentistry fits within the larger healthcare system. I’ve had opportunities to work alongside students and providers from other health professions that allows me to fully appreciate the collaboration that occurs when addressing complex cases. These experiences reinforce how important communication, teamwork, and coordination are in addressing not only oral health concerns but also the broader social and medical factors that affect patient care.
How do you envision incorporating what you learn through interprofessional activities into your future career?
In my future career, I hope to continue practicing in environments that prioritize collaboration across healthcare disciplines. Oral health is closely connected to overall health, so working with physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other professionals can help ensure patients receive more comprehensive and coordinated care. I also hope to stay involved in community or hospital-based settings where interprofessional teamwork plays an important role in improving access to care and addressing the needs of underserved populations.