Unity Week 2023: A Celebration of Student Led Interprofessionalism at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center
Interprofessional Student Poster Description: Unity Week is an annual event that takes place during Interprofessional Health Care month at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Held from April 24th to April 28th, this week-long celebration aims to highlight and honor the various Interprofessional Education (IPE) activities and programs on campus. This poster will serve to summarize Unity Week’s inaugural year under the Interdisciplinary Student Council. The week serves as an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to come together and recognize the significance of collaboration in healthcare. Organized by the Office of Interdisciplinary Programs and the Interdisciplinary Student Council (ISC), Unity Week offers a diverse range of events that promote interprofessional collaboration and learning.
The week featured various events, including an Interdisciplinary Grand Round showcasing the student group called Unity Clinic and their achievements, a "Weight Bias Simulation" addressing weight bias in healthcare, and simulations on poverty and social determinants of health. Additionally, the student-led Mock Poster Hall provided students with an opportunity to present their research, while the Unity Appreciation Awards recognized outstanding student leaders during the past year in interprofessional collaboration. The week concluded with a keynote speech by Dr. Katie Eliot, emphasizing the power of listening to patients' stories in driving collaborative care. Unity Week fostered a sense of collaboration and knowledge-sharing, encouraging interdisciplinary engagement among students, faculty, and staff.
Reflecting on the week's events, the student-led Mock Poster Hall emerged the success of Unity Week, with a wide range of research topics presented by students from various disciplines. Moving forward, the event will continue to be hosted primarily by the ISC and move to be anchored to the last week in April. The organizers acknowledge a continued need to improve student turnout for all events within Unity Week in the future. They expressed a desire to collaborate with the Student Government Association and other student organizations to enhance attendance and make the week more interactive and engaging for students.
In conclusion, Unity Week at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center serves as a platform to recognize and celebrate the significance of interprofessional collaboration in healthcare. Through a series of events, including simulations, poster presentations, and a keynote speech; the week provides valuable opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to learn, share knowledge, and strengthen their commitment to collaborative care.
