In an impressive display of teamwork and dedication, students from diverse healthcare fields successfully teamed up to stop a simulated Giardia mass outbreak in the local community. Advanced nurse practitioner and clinical nursing students from Augusta University’s College of Nursing joined first year University of Georgia pharmacy and master level epidemiology students at the UGA campus on Saturday, March 15, in an interprofessional collaboration designed to prevent the further spread of this parasitic infection, while safeguarding public health.

Developed to provide students with the opportunity to work together in a simulated outbreak scenario, the experiential event emphasized the critical role of collaboration between healthcare professions in managing public health emergencies. Each team, composed of students from the various programs, brought unique expertise to the table, contributing to the comprehensive response that led to a swift resolution. In total, more than 250 students and faculty participated in the day-long event.

“The collaboration between students from diverse healthcare backgrounds demonstrated the power of teamwork in addressing complex public health issues,” said Kay Brooks, Med, RPh, Associate Director of Experience Programs at UGA’s College of Pharmacy. “This event is a testament to the importance of interprofessional education, which prepares future healthcare professionals to work together effectively in real-world situations.”

The simulation not only addressed the immediate needs of an outbreak but also provided valuable learning experiences for the students involved. By actively engaging in a real-world scenario, participants gained hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the value of other healthcare professions in a public health crisis.

This is the seventh year for this event. Added Brooks, “This event continues to serve as a model for future public health responses, while highlighting the growing importance of interprofessional education in healthcare settings. By fostering collaboration among students from various professions, we are preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to work together in managing and preventing public health emergencies more effectively.”