UC Irvine Health Affairs and the School of Medicine proudly announce that its Train New Trainers (TNT) Primary Care Fellowships Program has been awarded the prestigious George E. Thibault, MD Nexus Award by the National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education.
This national award recognizes a Nexus partnership of health systems, clinics, educational institutions and community organizations for extraordinary contributions to redesigning both healthcare education and healthcare delivery simultaneously to be better integrated and more interprofessional.
Launched in 2016 in response to the national mental health crisis, the TNT program was further developed through a partnership with the UCI Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences Interprofessional Education and Practice (IPEP) Collaborative. The program employs interprofessional education and practice frameworks to enhance patient outcomes and broaden access to critical healthcare services, bridging the gap between physical and mental health. The TNT program trains a diverse group of healthcare professionals—including physicians, pharmacists, physician assistants and nurse practitioners—under a broad definition of “Primary Care” to deliver inclusive care in behavioral health and addiction medicine.
“The recognition of the TNT program with the George E. Thibault, MD Nexus Award is a testament to our commitment to patient-centered, team-based, data-driven, whole-person care,” said Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs Steve Goldstein, MD, PhD, FAAP. “UC Irvine Health Affairs is empowered by a distinctive One Health model that unites various health disciplines to amplify their strengths and promote a synergistic approach to healthcare. This award underscores our mission to integrate advanced research, innovative training and exceptional patient care to improve healthcare and support lifelong wellness.”
The program’s core objectives include elevating behavioral health expertise, integrating addiction medicine training, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, promoting community and youth engagement, championing leadership in behavioral health integration, and ensuring continuous improvement through evidence-based practices. Over 60% of graduates have become national leaders, actively teaching these critical skills to their primary care colleagues.
“Our TNT Primary Care Fellowships provide educators and providers with practical strategies to address the increasing demands and complexities of modern healthcare delivery. Through the integration of diverse specialties and strong academic-practice partnerships with the community, the program not only equips healthcare professionals with the skills to advance primary care but also addresses a critical need within the local community and nationwide,” said Robert McCarron, DO, founding director of TNT Primary Care Fellowships.
“Support from the IPEP Collaborative has significantly enhanced the TNT program,” said Stephanie Au, DNP, faculty director of the Interprofessional Education and Practice Collaborative. “By leveraging interprofessional frameworks and fostering a culture of teamwork and collaboration, we have been able to expand the program’s reach and impact, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.”
The George E. Thibault, MD Nexus Award not only celebrates the TNT program’s success but also encourages continued growth and innovation. As UC Irvine Health Affairs looks to the future, the focus remains on promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and improving health outcomes for diverse populations through groundbreaking initiatives like the TNT Primary Care Fellowships.
To view the acceptance video, please click here.
