The Interprofessional Education Collaborative
The University of New England’s Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) plays an important role in the College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM). Through the use of interprofessional academic and community-based programs, COM students gain a wider breadth of knowledge, which makes them more suitable for team-based discussion and practices.
IPEC hosts an abundance of events throughout the academic year. These events feature local and national experts from a variety of fields. COM students stand to gain a large deal from attending these events.
Featured COM Programs
Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)
The SBIRT program trains learners in an evidence-based process that aims to combat the rise in drug overdose deaths. All College of Osteopathic Medicine students participate in the SBIRT basic seminars. Those interested in further enhancing their skills can become SBIRT Student Leaders, learning about substance use disorders and enhancing their knowledge of SBIRT through classroom instruction as well as additional interactive training.
Therapeutic Cannabis in Hospice Care
Begun in 2016, this research project partners students from the College of Osteopathic Medicine with staff at a local not-for-profit hospice program established by Wellness Connection of Maine, a cannabis dispensary. Seeking to understand how patients perceive the effect of cannabis on their health and symptoms, students are paired with participating patients to discuss their impressions of their therapeutic treatment with cannabis. If interested, please contact vthieme@une.edu.
Interprofessional Geriatrics Team Immersion
Select students from the College of Osteopathic Medicine team up with students from the Physician Assistant, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy, and Physical Therapy programs to learn from and with older adults — first, those who are living independently, and then, those living in memory care facilities. Each profession brings its unique expertise and interests to the experience. If interested, please contact vthieme@une.edu.
Interprofessional Student Driven Research
This program allows for COM students to engage with like-minded students across UNE as they share their hypotheses, learn the Institutional Review Board processes, and practice their communication skills. If interested, talk to a professor about creating a research team and find a faculty mentor who can help you navigate the process. If you would like to find out anout grant funding for your IPE research, please contact khall@une.edu.
For other IPEC events, please visit the IPE Opportunities page.