Dentistry-Pharmacy-Medicine IPL Activities
At the recent Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Symposium, jointly hosted by the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, Dr Abdullah Barazanchi, the current IPE lead at Adelaide Dental School, delivered a presentation titled “Advancing Interprofessional Education: Cultivating Collaborative Practitioners for Enhanced Health and Well-being.”
Associate Professor Muhammed Yakin - BDS- Program Director at the Adelaide Dental School interacting with students
The presentation highlighted an ongoing interprofessional learning initiative co-led by staff from both universities. The team also included Prof Debra Rowett, the Professorial Lead Interprofessional education and practice from the Clinical and Health Sciences (UniSA), Prof Jo Thomas the Dean of Adelaide Medical School, A/Prof Muhammed Yakin the BDS 4-5 Program Director at the Adelaide Dental School, in addition to Jimit Gandhi, Kirsty LePoidevin, and Dr Lauren Cortis from the UniSA Clinical & Health Sciences. The program currently involves more than 80 students across the participating schools.
Student feedback on the program has been particularly positive. Participants noted that the sessions helped them to practise patient-centred care, clarify the distinct roles of different health professionals, and experience effective collaboration in real-time discussions. Many also reflected on how the initiative modelled team-based approaches to patient care, giving them a deeper appreciation of the value of working alongside colleagues from other disciplines.
The session attracted strong engagement from staff of both universities and has already sparked discussions about extending collaboration to include other allied health disciplines. These conversations are expected to support the expansion of the IPL program, further strengthening opportunities for students to develop as collaborative health professionals.
Dr Abdullah Barazanchi (current IPE lead at the Adelaide Dental School) teaching students alongside Professor Debra Rowett (Professorial Lead Interprofessional education and practice from the Clinical and Health Sciences (UniSA)
The staff involved are also part of the IPL curriculum development working group that is at the core of the ongoing developments as part of the merger between UniSA and University of Adelaide. The importance of IPL cannot be overemphasised in promoting collaborative practice in healthcare. Ensuring our graduates are adequately prepared for working in collaboration with a range of professionals to enhance and optimise patient care is core business for AU and the College of Health. The upcoming merger provides further opportunities for sharing expertise, efficient resource management, and preparing leading graduates who are equipped with highly important collaborative skills for optimal patient care and outcomes in a competitive market.