Welcome to Interprofessional Education at the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. We recognize that balancing the demands of medical school can be challenging, and we hope this resource helps answer common questions about the IPE curriculum. Our goal is to provide clarity, support your success, and help you make the most of these learning opportunities.
What is interprofessional education (IPE)?
Interprofessional Education occurs when students from two or more health professions learn with, from, and about one another to improve collaboration and patient outcomes.
Healthcare today is delivered by teams, not individuals. The purpose of IPE is to help prepare you to work effectively with other professionals, communicate across disciplines, understand team roles, and provide patient-centered care.
At WSU, IPE is not simply a curricular requirement—it is an opportunity to develop skills that will serve you throughout your career.
Which other professions do we work with?
One of the greatest strengths of our program is the breadth of professions represented in our learning activities. Depending on the activity, you may learn alongside students from:
Washington State University
- Nursing (BSN, MS, DNP, PhD)
- Pharmacy (PharmD, PhD)
- Speech & Hearing Sciences / Speech-Language Pathology
- Nutrition & Exercise Physiology
- Athletic Training
Eastern Washington University
- Physical Therapy
- Social Work
- Occupational Therapy
- Dental Hygiene
University of Washington (WWAMI Spokane)
- Medicine
- Physician Assistant Studies
- RIDE Dental Education
Additional Partners
We periodically collaborate with other programs and institutions as opportunities arise.
One of the most valuable aspects of IPE is learning about professions you may not regularly encounter during training. Many students report that these experiences increase their understanding of team roles and improve their confidence working within healthcare teams.
Why is IPE scheduled when it is?
This is one of our most common questions.
Scheduling IPE activities requires coordination across multiple universities, healthcare programs, campuses, faculty teams, and hundreds of students. Each profession has different accreditation requirements, curriculum structures, academic calendars, and examination schedules.
When scheduling IPE activities, we work hard to:
-
- Avoid major holidays whenever possible
- Minimize conflicts with examinations and major curricular events
- Accommodate multiple institutions and professions
- Ensure meaningful participation from all programs
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Despite our best efforts, it is not always possible to find dates that work perfectly for everyone. Scheduling often involves significant compromise across participating programs.
We greatly appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we work to create opportunities for collaborative learning.
Why are so many IPE activities virtual?
Many students understandably wonder why more sessions are not offered in person.
The use of virtual IPE actually predates the COVID-19 pandemic. Several factors contribute to this format:
Are there opportunities for in-person IPE experiences?
Yes.
In addition to required curricular activities, there are often opportunities for:
- Co-curricular events
- Elective experiences
- Service opportunities
- Social and networking events
- Wellness-focused activities
Please monitor:
- Slack channels
- College communications
- IPE announcements
If you are specifically interested in in-person IPE opportunities, please reach out. We are happy to help connect you with available experiences.
What should i do if i need to switch IPE sessions?
We understand that unexpected conflicts occasionally arise.
First, remember:
Completion of IPE activities is a curricular requirement.
If you have an excused absence
Please work through Student Affairs according to established College of Medicine procedures.
The IPE team will work with you to identify an appropriate accommodation and complete any required schedule adjustments.
If you have an unexcused conflict
You are responsible for identifying a classmate who is willing to switch sessions with you.
Once a switch has been arranged:
- Email skye_mckennon@wsu.edu
- Include all students involved in the switch
- Complete the required Qualtrics switch request form (sent after outreach to skye_mckennon@wsu.edu)
- Submit the request at least two business days prior to the first affected session
Please note that schedule changes cannot be guaranteed if requests are submitted after established deadlines.
Why is IPE a curricular requirement?
The short answer is that collaborative practice is essential to modern healthcare.
Healthcare professionals rarely work in isolation. Physicians routinely collaborate with nurses, pharmacists, therapists, social workers, dietitians, and many others. Understanding how to communicate effectively, navigate team dynamics, and leverage the expertise of colleagues is critical to providing safe, effective patient care.
For this reason, accreditation standards across health professions increasingly emphasize interprofessional learning and collaborative practice preparedness.
How can i be successful in IPE?
Why do you ask us to complete evaluations?
Because your feedback truly matters.
Every evaluation is reviewed carefully. Student feedback has directly informed many improvements to the IPE curriculum over the years.
Your comments help us:
- Improve learning activities
- Refine session content
- Address barriers to participation
- Identify new opportunities for collaboration
- Enhance the overall student experience
If something is working well, we want to know that. If something can be improved, we want to know that too.
Please take a few minutes to complete evaluations thoughtfully following IPE activities.
Is IPE just another requirement?
We understand it may sometimes feel that way. However, we encourage you to think of IPE as something more.
One of the most meaningful outcomes of IPE is the opportunity to develop Communities of Practice (CoPs)—networks of professionals who learn together, support one another, and share a commitment to improving patient care.
Strong Communities of Practice can:
- Reduce social and professional isolation
- Foster professional growth and lifelong learning
- Create opportunities for collaboration and mentorship
- Promote the sharing of best practices
- Strengthen moral resilience
- Create safe and supportive learning environments
Many healthcare professionals maintain interprofessional relationships formed during training throughout their careers.
I have a strong interest in IPE. How can i get more involved?
We would love to hear from you.
Students interested in:
- Interprofessional education
- Team-based care
- Healthcare leadership
- Health professions education
- Collaborative practice research
- Wellbeing and professional identity formation
are encouraged to reach out.
There may be opportunities to become involved in curricular development, research, presentations, scholarship, facilitation, or special projects.
Please contact:
Skye McKennon, PharmD, BCPS, ACSM-GEI
Thread Director, Interprofessional Education
Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
Washington State University
skye_mckennon@wsu.edu
A Final Thought
We recognize that your time is valuable and that medical school is demanding. Our commitment is to make IPE as meaningful, engaging, and relevant as possible. We believe the relationships and skills developed through interprofessional learning will not only help you become a better physician, but also a more effective teammate, leader, advocate, and healthcare professional. We look forward to learning alongside you.