Interprofessional collaboration is a cornerstone of high-quality, patient-centered healthcare. Each Fall, The George Washington University (GW) reaffirms its commitment to collaborative practice through the Interprofessional Education Event (IPE). This year’s event brought together 450 students and 33 faculty members from the Medical (MD), Nursing, Occupational Therapy (OT), Physician Assistant (PA), Physical Therapy (PT), Public Health, and Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) programs. Hosted virtually over Zoom, IPE creates a shared learning environment where students explore professional roles, communication strategies, and the value of teamwork in optimizing patient care.
The GW IPE Event is designed to help students better understand not only what each profession contributes to patient care, but also how collaboration across disciplines improves patient outcomes. According to Karen Goodman, PT, DPT, a faculty member in the GW Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program and an IPE facilitator, interprofessional education is foundational to modern healthcare practice.
“Interprofessional education involves learning about what other professionals do, as well as effective strategies to communicate with other professionals in order to optimize patient outcomes and care,” Goodman explains. “We work every day with a variety of healthcare professionals, so it is critical to have an understanding of everyone’s roles and to develop strategies to improve communication.”
Throughout the Fall 2025 IPE event, students were placed into interprofessional breakout groups and guided through a simulated patient case designed to resemble real-world clinical rounds. This structure allowed learners to articulate their professional priorities while listening to and learning from others. For Goodman, this intentional design reflects the core values of interprofessional education.
“There are established competencies that guide interprofessional education, including values and ethics, roles and responsibilities, communication, and teams and teamwork,” she notes. “But for me, it really comes down to a desire to learn from one another, mutual respect, listening, and always keeping the patient at the center of everything we do.”
From a clinical and educational perspective, Goodman emphasizes that effective interprofessional communication has a direct impact on patient outcomes. Bringing students together early in their training helps normalize collaboration and sets expectations for professional practice beyond the classroom. “By fostering collaboration during training, it becomes more likely that students will continue these practices throughout their careers.”
One of the most powerful aspects of the IPE event, according to Goodman, is its ability to challenge assumptions and broaden perspectives. While there may not be overt misconceptions between professions, students often experience moments of discovery about the scope of practice of others. Goodman says, “Hearing how an SLP, a nurse, or a physician might approach the same patient can be incredibly enlightening. It’s far more impactful than simply reading about another profession.”
Over the past several years, the GW IPE committee has continued to refine and expand the event to enhance realism and engagement. The recent shift toward a simulated interdisciplinary rounds format was a deliberate effort to better mirror clinical practice. “By making it feel more like real rounds, students get to practice articulating their professional reasoning in a constructive environment,” Goodman explains. “That practice helps build confidence so they’re better prepared when they enter clinical settings.”
From a facilitator’s perspective, some of the most meaningful moments come from student reflection. “I always love the ‘aha’ moments,” Goodman shares. “Students are incredibly thoughtful, and their takeaways from the event are always inspiring.”
For DPT students in particular, Goodman believes experiences like the IPE event clarify both professional identity and collaborative responsibility. “They gain a stronger understanding of who is sitting across the table from them,” she says. “I hope it helps them see their unique value as physical therapists while strengthening the communication skills they’ll need on clinical rotations and throughout their careers.”
Looking ahead, Goodman encourages students to continue developing interprofessional skills outside formal coursework. “It’s always valuable to work on active listening and communication,” she advises. “If you’re volunteering or working alongside other healthcare professionals, don’t hesitate to ask questions and learn from them.”
Through events like the GW IPE Event, students are learning that excellent healthcare is not delivered independently. By building respect, communication, and shared purpose across disciplines, these future clinicians are preparing to enter the workforce ready to collaborate— always with the patient at the center of care.