block people representing different thoughts

Interested in Interprofessional Education, Practice or Research?

Join the Affiliate Faculty Program!

Over the past year, the Center for Interprofessional Health (CIH) has brought together health professionals in its inaugural cohort of the Affiliate Faculty program. Participants in this one-year program engaged in one or more designated areas of interprofessional interest, including teaching, practice, research, and innovation. They met monthly with a small group of colleagues and learned about each other’s activities and CIH programmatic efforts, including the WILD Series and the IPE Scholars Program.

Cohort members say they enjoyed the opportunity to network and learn from others in the health science community.

“I have enjoyed getting to know different faculty that I may not have encountered otherwise through the small and large group meetings, as well as the opportunities to experience the escape room experience and help facilitate the newer virtual IPE simulations,” said Tamera Alpaugh, PhD, MLS(ASCP)cm, assistant professor, Medical Laboratory Sciences Program. “Plus, I love hearing from the guest speakers and other CIH affiliate faculty about their roles and experiences.”

Assistant Professor of Nursing Fang (Alice) Lei, PhD, MSN, MPH, RN, adds, “I enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with experts in health care and to work on cutting-edge research projects that have the potential to improve patient outcomes and advance the field of nursing. I gained new perspectives and insights through collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. This can reshape and inform my teaching and research.”

In addition to Alpaugh and Lei, the inaugural cohort included community clinicians and faculty members from the professions of bioethics, dental hygiene, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, and psychology.

Lei encourages other faculty and clinicians to consider participating in the program. “The Affiliate Faculty Program can provide you with new insights, tools, and resources to advance your research and contribute to the field of health care,” she said.

CIH Welcomes Returning Affiliate Faculty to Deepen Their Engagement with Interprofessional Work

With the success of the inaugural program launch, CIH is now offering a one-year Senior Affiliate Faculty program for returning affiliate faculty. Senior Affiliate Faculty will contribute to CIH’s mission by engaging in: 

  • New or continued contributions to interprofessional teaching, innovations, practice, or research initiatives 
  • Mentorship of faculty and students in the interprofessional space 
  • Leadership opportunities aligned with faculty goals 

"I am proud and excited that our inaugural year was such a success that we are now launching a new Senior Affiliate Faculty Program," said Sasha Zagoloff, PhD LP, associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. "Several Affiliates have already committed to continued engagement with the CIH team. Their continued engagement enables us to facilitate new interprofessional relationships and keep growing our programming."

Other News

A mural on the outside of the Community-University Health Care Center
The U of M’s Community-University Health Care Center is a beacon of health and wellness in the Twin Cities.
UMN students walking on campus in the wintertime
Take a moment to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of our health sciences community.
People walking on treadmills
As we age, maintaining bone health becomes even more important.