Keywords

dietetics education, interdisciplinary, interprofessional education, learning community, service learning

 

Authors

  1. Horacek, Tanya PhD, RD
  2. Brann, Lynn PhD, RD
  3. Erdman, Maria BS
  4. Middlemiss, Mary Ann PhD, RN
  5. Raj, Sudha PhD, RD

Abstract

Dietetic professionals require education and experience to work effectively in interprofessional settings. An interdisciplinary team of faculty created a nonresidential learning community (LC) for students with upper-class standing (nutrition, nursing, social work, and child and family studies). The LC included academic, social, cultural, interprofessional, and service-learning experiences. The LC discussions focused on cultural awareness/competence, policy advocacy, and global health and disparity issues. The service-learning experiences successfully challenged the students' interprofessional competencies and contributed to the goal of creating community partnerships. The development, implementation, and sustainability of an interprofessional LC are contingent upon a variety of administrative, cultural, and academic factors.