WVU Health Sciences kicks off fall interprofessional education with team-building tailgate

The West Virginia University Health Sciences Office of Interprofessional Education kicked off its fall semester Monday Sessions lineup with a tailgate at the WVU Athletics Caperton Indoor Facility.

Taking place on Monday, Sept. 25, students enrolled in 15 academic programs from across the University gathered for a speed networking event that included team activities, tailgate snacks and an appearance by Mountaineer mascot Mikel Hager, who is a student in the exercise physiology program.

Students heard from Dr. Louise Veselicky, associate vice president for academic affairs, and Vincent Blankenship, assistant athletics director/head athletic trainer for football, before beginning the networking session focused on roles and responsibilities, one of the four core competencies of interprofessional education. Following the large group didactic session, the more than 400 students formed smaller groups consisting of students from a variety of disciplines to provide each other with their unique perspective as members of a healthcare team.

Monday Sessions focused on the remaining core competencies – values and ethics, teamwork and communication – are scheduled throughout the academic year.

Students can register online for a variety of other hands-on experiences provided by the Office of Interprofessional Education.