WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University students recently participated in the university’s second annual Interprofessional Education (IPE) Day, an experiential learning event designed to strengthen collaboration among future healthcare professionals while emphasizing patient-centered care.
Students representing multiple healthcare and behavioral science programs worked together to evaluate a complex patient case, combining their unique disciplinary perspectives to develop coordinated care plans and strengthen communication strategies.
The event brought together students from Speech-Language Pathology, Nursing, Psychology, Physician Assistant Studies, Dental Hygiene and Exercise Physiology, allowing participants to experience firsthand how interdisciplinary collaboration improves patient outcomes.
Survey responses collected following the event highlighted the impact of the experience, with students reporting a greater appreciation for the roles and expertise of other healthcare professionals. Participants also noted increased confidence in communication, teamwork and collaborative problem-solving while working through realistic patient scenarios.
Many students described the event as “productive,” “interesting” and “informative,” emphasizing that experiential learning helped reinforce the importance of addressing both the physical and psychosocial needs of patients. Several participants also expressed interest in expanding future IPE events to include additional healthcare disciplines, such as social work and other therapy professions.
“As healthcare educators, we want students to move beyond simply learning about their own profession and begin understanding how they fit into a larger healthcare team,” said Sara Alig, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, CDP, Associate Professor and Coordinator of West Liberty University’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program. “It was exciting to see survey responses reflect strong growth in collaboration, communication and appreciation for the unique contributions each discipline brings to patient care.”
Jennifer Childers, MSPAS, PA-C, Associate Professor and Medical Director of the Physician Assistant Studies Program, said one of the event’s greatest successes was seeing students recognize the value of interdisciplinary collaboration.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of the event was watching students discover how much they can learn from one another,” Childers said. “The event debriefing conversations and survey responses showed that many participants left with a greater appreciation for the roles of other healthcare professionals and a deeper understanding of how collaborative practice leads to better patient care outcomes.”
Interprofessional Education Day reflects West Liberty University’s ongoing commitment to preparing future healthcare professionals who value collaboration, effective communication and compassionate, community-centered care. Through experiential learning opportunities such as IPE Day, students gain practical skills that prepare them to work successfully as members of interdisciplinary healthcare teams while improving outcomes for the patients and communities they will serve.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. To apply or learn more about West Liberty University, visit westliberty.edu.
Media Contact:
Rhone Thrash
West Liberty University
rhone.thrash@westliberty.edu
