Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar University (QU) Health Sector recently marked a significant milestone in the field of healthcare education with the First Annual Interprofessional Education (IPE) Passport Ceremony. The event honoured the first group of health profession graduates who successfully completed the IPE Passport Program, a structured initiative that fosters collaboration and integration among healthcare professionals in training. The group included 71 graduates from QU and 15 from University of Calgary - Qatar.
The IPE initiative, spearheaded by the Health Sector at QU, underscores the importance of interprofessional collaboration in addressing the evolving challenges of healthcare delivery. The ceremony highlighted the students’ achievements and the broader impact of interprofessional education on future health practices in Qatar and beyond.
In the opening remarks, Prof. Mohamed Ahmedna, associate vice president for Academic Quality and Strategy at QU Health Sector, spoke about the history of IPE at the university, saying, “The Interprofessional Education Committee (IPEC) was established in 2014 by the QU College of Pharmacy to provide strategic guidance and support for the integration of IPE within the pharmacy curriculum. Over the years, the initiative expanded to include other healthcare programs across Qatar, culminating in the creation of QU Health Sector in 2017”.
Prof. Ahmedna also spoke about the significance of health professions students who have completed the IPE program, saying “Graduates of the IPE program are more than just participants in the workforce; they are leaders with the ability to drive meaningful change. As they embark on their professional journeys, the principles they have learned through the IPE program will guide them in making lasting impacts in their respective fields, whether in clinical practice, research, or policy-making.”
The IPE Passport Program offers numerous benefits to students, motivating them to actively participate in structured interprofessional education activities that are integrated into their courses. It serves as a tool that allows students to progressively engage in IPE activities, tailored to their specific professional year. The program helps students meet shared IPE competencies, deepening their understanding of key IPE concepts and principles. Additionally, the passport provides formal recognition that students have met the IPE requirements, and upon completion, they receive a certificate signed by the Vice President for Health and Medical Sciences, enhancing their curriculum vitae or portfolio.
Dr. Alla El-Awaisi, director of Clinical Operations and Engagement at QU Health Sector, highlighted the importance of these graduates in driving change, stating, “You are the empowered generation, future leaders, innovators, and change-makers of healthcare. Through the IPE program, you have not only gained knowledge but also learned the power of collaboration, communication, and teamwork. The IPE program has equipped you to dismantle traditional silos and foster understanding and cooperation among various health professions. Equipped with a deep understanding of the importance of teamwork and collaboration; you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of health.”
Dr. El-Awaisi continued, “Integrated care is at the heart of what we do, and as you step out into the world with your IPE passports, know that you are empowered to drive change. The principles of interprofessional education will guide you to improve patient outcomes, shape health policies, and promote a more resilient and responsive healthcare system.”
As QU Health Sector continues to advance the IPE program, this first cohort of IPE Passport Program graduates represents a significant shift towards more collaborative and effective healthcare practices. The program not only prepares students for their future roles but also equips them with the tools needed to navigate and lead within an increasingly complex and interconnected healthcare environment.
QU Health Sector’s mission is to design, implement, and evaluate IPE initiatives, ensuring that health profession students from various professions develop the skills necessary for integrated, patient-centred care. The Interprofessional Education Committee now includes representatives from 14 programs across four institutions: Qatar University, Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar, University of Calgary – Qatar, and University of Doha for Science and Technology.
