Fostering an interprofessional learning community of scholars: A model for contemporary faculty development

Abstract

Inspired by learning communities, an evidence-based solution to combat faculty burnout, the University of Kentucky (UK) Center for Interprofessional Health Education's Faculty Fellows and Associates Program offers a novel approach to contemporary faculty development. The Program utilizes minimal financial resources and modest staff support to accomplish its main objectives: identify and recognize IPE champions, promote and support faculty interprofessional education (IPE) contributions, and demonstrate ongoing institutional commitment to faculty development, engagement, and support. This model simultaneously honors faculty IPE contributions and offers robust professional development, while effectively promoting IPE broadly. To date, members from thirteen different colleges and departments have leveraged the program to create numerous scholarly presentations and publications as well as a broad variety of other creative work. The benefits of the Fellows and Associates Program extend to the next generation of health care providers, the students ultimately inspired by these IPE champions.