WesternU will be the first institution to develop a comprehensive program helping students from nine distinct health professions to learn how to work as a cohesive health care team. Why are we doing this? Because:
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As national health care organizations and employers emphasize the importance of a team-based approach to health care, it is likely that training as part of an interprofessional health care team will enhance graduates' resumes and increase their employment opportunities.
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The growing number of elderly with chronic conditions will make coordinated care even more essential and valued.
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The emergence of infectious, zoonotic diseases impacts all health professions.
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Patients will receive timely care from the most appropriate health care providers - minimizing cost and maximizing patients' potential for improvement and recovery -- thanks to the collaborative care that can be created as the result of interprofessional education.
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Our future graduates will have a distinctive collaborative training and outlook which will ultimately benefit patients.