Interprofessional Collaborations

IPE Structure

Interprofessional Education and Practice has been identified as a primary initiative in the UNT Health Science Center’s (UNTHSC) institutional strategic plan. The Department of Interprofessional Education and Practice was inaugurated in 2012 with a charge to create a culture of Interprofessional collaboration. Creation of a culture of Interprofessional collaboration required active and equal representation across all UNTHSC colleges/schools. A model utilizing Dean appointed IPE coordinators from each of the five UNTHSC College/Schools was and is used to achieve active and equal IPE representation across all colleges/schools. IPE coordinators from each colleges/schools work together on an IPE Curriculum Committee. IPE coordinators are at the faculty or associate dean level, share a common set of roles and responsibilities, and have a portion of their time paid through the Department of Interprofessional Education and Practice. The colleges/schools’ coordinators discuss common IPE curriculum and IPE student activities. IPE coordinators communicate about the IPE initiatives with their colleges/schools and assist the Director of Interprofessional Education and Practice in successful implementation of IPE strategic initiatives.

Multi-Institutional IPE Partnerships

Strong multi-institutional partnerships have been developed between the University of North Texas Health Science Center, Tarrant County College, Texas Christian University, Texas Woman’s University, University of Texas at Arlington, and Weatherford College. A model, similar to the UNTHSC IPE coordinator role, is utilized with the partnering institutions with representation on the IPE Curriculum Committee. Through this collaboration, dedicated IPE time has been accomplished across the UNTHSC colleges/schools and with our IPE university partners. The multi-university partnership allows health professions students in biomedical research, medicine (allopathic and osteopathic), pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, public health, athletic training, diagnostic medical sonography, dietetics, medical assistant, physical therapist assistant, radiologic technology, respiratory care, social work, and speech-language pathology to come together in Interprofessional teams to learn about and practice collaboration skills.

Community and Clinical Partners

A strong sense of community exists within Fort Worth and North Texas. The UNT Health Science Center is working collaboratively with community and clinical partners to create solutions for a healthier community.

• Tarrant County College
• Texas Christian University
• Texas Woman’s University
• University of Texas at Arlington
• Weatherford College