The University of Minnesota continues to solidify its position as a national leader in geriatric education and innovation through the expansion of its Interprofessional Geriatric Case Competition, part of the Minnesota Northstar Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (MN Northstar GWEP). The competition has grown into a nationwide initiative, fostering collaboration across disciplines and universities to tackle the multifaceted challenges of aging.
In 2024 the competition expanded from a partnership between the University of Minnesota and Saint Louis University to include six additional GWEPs from institutions across the country. This year, participants hailed from Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of North Dakota, the University of Louisville, Nova Southeastern University Florida, AT Still University, and the University of Southern Indiana, alongside Minnesota institution the University of St. Thomas. The University of Minnesota served as the coordinating center for this large event.
“This year, we were thrilled to welcome 194 participants, including 136 students, 23 coaches, and 35 judges from over 15 disciplines,” said Kris Talley, PhD, CNP, RN, FGSA co-director of MN Northstar GWEP. “The breadth of expertise—from medicine, nursing, and public health to biology, nutrition, and even the liberal arts—highlights the truly interdisciplinary nature of aging education.”
The competition’s interprofessional approach encourages students to collaborate across fields, enhancing their ability to address the medical, social, and ethical complexities of aging. Each team is paired with a coach, often a faculty member or community expert, to develop and present comprehensive care plans based on real-world geriatric cases. The competition is designed around core competencies of interprofessional collaboration.
“The interdisciplinary focus of this competition mirrors the realities of caring for older adults,” Talley explained. “From addressing complex health conditions to navigating social services and financial resources, aging touches every aspect of life. Our students gain critical skills in teamwork and creative problem-solving.”
Beyond providing an enriching learning experience, the University of Minnesota is also empowering other institutions to adopt this model. Talley and her team recently hosted a workshop at the Gerontological Society of America conference, sharing strategies for developing meaningful interprofessional learning experiences.
As the competition continues to evolve, MN Northstar GWEP aims to further expand its reach. Future plans include supporting local competitions at other GWEP institutions and continuing to innovate ways to engage students from diverse academic backgrounds.
With its commitment to education, collaboration, and innovation, the MN Northstar GWEP remains at the forefront of shaping the future of geriatric care. Through initiatives like the Interprofessional Geriatric Case Competition, it exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary teamwork in addressing healthy aging.
Read about the Winners of the 2024 Interprofessional Geriatric Case Competition.
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