In an era where healthcare challenges demand innovative solutions, the UC Irvine Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences Interprofessional Education & Practice (IPEP) Collaborative is leading the charge with many of its initiatives including the 2024 Business of Interprofessional Healthcare Conference. On October 12, at the Sue Gross Auditorium, this inaugural event brought together healthcare leaders, providers, administrators and business professionals to explore the transformative impact of team-based care and business trends on the healthcare industry.
Championing Interprofessional Collaboration
The IPEP Collaborative is committed to advancing interprofessional teamwork to address today’s healthcare challenges. Led by Candice Whealon, FNP and Clinical Coordinator of the DNP Program at the Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, the conference emphasized how team-based care can reshape patient experiences, improve outcomes and increase the efficiency of healthcare delivery. Whealon stated, “Our goal with this conference is to inspire healthcare leaders to embrace interprofessional collaboration as a key driver for innovation and organizational success.” With initiatives like the Business of Interprofessional Healthcare Conference, the IPEP Collaborative aims to drive innovative, team-based approaches that improve patient care and create lasting, positive change in the healthcare system.
Impactful Takeaways
For attendees like Nana Entsuah-Boateng, PharmD, Assistant Faculty Director for the IPEP Collaborative and Assistant Clinical Professor at the School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, the conference offered valuable insights into the practical implementation of interprofessional strategies. She noted, “The discussions on leadership, equity and innovation have reinforced my commitment to integrating these approaches into my own practice and pedagogy.”
Keynote Speakers and Expert Panels
The event featured presentations by esteemed leaders, including:
- Steve Goldstein, MA, MD, PhD, FAAP, Vice Chancellor, UC Irvine Health Affairs, welcomed attendees and gave an overview of the One Health enterprise model and the IPEP Collaborative.
- Richard Afable, MD, MPH, President and Board Chair, Be Well OC, and Adjunct Professor and Lecturer at the UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business, who discussed organizational success through integrated healthcare services.
- Anne Marie Watkins, DNP, MSHCA, RN, CENP, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive, UCI Health, who addressed the growing complexity of patient care needs and innovative solutions.
- Sachin Jain, MD, MBA, CEO of SCAN Group and SCAN Health Plan, who led a fireside chat on health equity and personalized care. This chat was moderated by Nimisha Parekh, MD, MPH, FACG, AGAF, Clinical Professor of Medicine and Associate Dean of Faculty Development, UC Irvine School of Medicine and Director of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program, Chao Digestive Health Institute.
- Robert McCarron, DO, DFAPA, FAIHM, Director of Education, Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute; Associate Dean, CME; Director, UC Irvine Train New Trainers Primary Care Fellowships; Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, School of Medicine, delivered closing remarks and emphasized the importance of interprofessional, team-based care.
Looking Ahead
As UC Irvine’s IPEP Collaborative continues to champion innovation and interprofessional collaboration, events like the Business of Interprofessional Healthcare Conference demonstrate the organization’s commitment to reshaping healthcare delivery. Whealon and her team are already planning future initiatives to expand the collaborative’s impact on both local and national levels. The 2024 conference was a key step forward in fostering collaboration, addressing health equity and improving patient care outcomes.
We have a leadership crisis in healthcare and educating the next generation on the opportunities to lead is as important as anything else we do to improve healthcare.
Sachin Jain, MD, MBA, CEO of SCAN Group and SCAN Health Plan
By equipping healthcare teams with strategies for effective teamwork, clear communication and shared decision-making, we are driving advancements in healthcare delivery that directly improve patient outcomes and elevate the standard of care. This conference offered the opportunity to highlight the immense value of sharing knowledge and expertise across disciplines, fostering a culture of learning that enhances care quality and innovation in the healthcare space.
Anne-Marie Watkins, DNP, MSHCA, RN, CENP, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive, UCI Health
Leadership is a calling with a powerful influence on patient outcomes. It is essential that we, as healthcare professionals, come together to reflect on the evolving context in which we operate, fostering collaboration for greater impact.
Richard Afable, MD, MPH, President and Board Chair, Be Well OC
This conference showcased the strength of interprofessional practice in addressing the evolving challenges of healthcare. The discussions and solutions presented highlight how the expertise of our IPEP Collaborative faculty and partners can drive meaningful change and improve outcomes for patients and healthcare organizations alike.
Stephanie Au, DNP, Faculty Director of the IPEP Collaborative
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