In a groundbreaking step toward shaping the future of collaborative healthcare at UGA, 300 second-year students from the College of Pharmacy and the College of Veterinary Medicine are completing a dynamic, team-based interprofessional simulation experience over the fall semester.

As a required component of the PharmD (PHRM 4030) and DVMS (VETM 5280) curricula, this experience challenges students to navigate a complex virtual case involving an animal patient and human owner—mirroring real-world intersections of human and animal health. Approximately, 36 interdisciplinary teams of pharmacy and veterinary students will work together to assess clinical signs, recommend therapies, educate clients, and discuss how the two professions can optimize care through collaboration.

The IPE simulation includes two large group sessions: a team building and case introduction event, followed by a faculty-facilitated debrief and team discussion concerning IPE competencies as outlined by the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC). In between these large group sessions, the individual teams will convene two virtual table rounds to discuss assigned topics with each profession teaching the other.  The healthcare teams are being led by dual-college faculty, ensuring personalized mentorship and deeper engagement with each team.

By emphasizing teamwork, communication, evidence-based decision-making, and conflict resolution, this IPE experience reflects UGA’s commitment to producing healthcare professionals who are not only clinically skilled but also prepared to lead in an increasingly interconnected world.