By: Katie Eliot PhD, RDN
On Wednesday April 18th, we arrived on the campus of the University of South Alabama, or “South” as I came to learn it is called by locals, wide eyed and full of energy. We basked in the sunshine of their inviting campus and admired the beautiful buildings as we prepared to get to work. And, somehow, we managed to arrive back home with as much energy…if not more.
Our two days engaged in dialogue with our interprofessional colleagues was intended to be about their growth, but it ended up being much about ours. This was our first official event as “BE-Collaborative” and, while we have presented together many times, this workshop had a different energy about it.
As I reflect on the workshop, here is what comes to mind:
- Sometimes the most important component of interprofessional collaboration is creating the time and space to just “be” with each other. Many faculty reflected on how refreshing it was to have dedicated time and space for talking to colleagues from different departments. Getting to talk through things while eating yummy food – bonus.
- Opportunities for scholarship are everywhere. Don’t forget to build assessment into your educational activities. And don’t be afraid to write about your process. Everyone wants to know what works in other places. Get your work out there and you’ll be surprised by the doors that open up.
- Sometimes you don’t realize what a unique partnership you have until someone else points it out. At South they have a unique combination of professions and opportunities in the community. We encouraged them to capitalize on these. What unique partnerships can you create where you are?
Thanks again to our colleagues at South for the invite – we look forward to seeing your programs will continue to BE-collaborative!
