Since its inception in 1999, the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance (MVA) has sought to create innovative avenues for interprofessional education (IPE) collaboration leave a lasting impact on the Nashville community through strategic partnerships. The annual IPE Student Project provides an opportunity for students from various health profession programs to collaborate with local partners in a real-world setting to resolve challenges our partners face.
Returning local organizations included the Oasis Center, Dismas House, Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA), Our Place Nashville, and Urban Housing Solutions. One new community partner also chose to participate in the program this year: Special Olympics of Tennessee.
On September 22nd, the MVA a hosted all its community partners to review previous successes and opportunities for this year’s Student Project. Program Manager, Jessica Jones, shared “We want to make sure your (community member representative) voice is heard throughout the process and make sure you are aware of the support available from the faculty mentors.” Shared responsibility and communication among stakeholders is what makes this process work.
Each year students deliver relevant, sustainable projects that wow our partners, so much, they eagerly return. Long-time partner, Dr. Tiffany Davis, has resources created over five years ago that Urban Housing Solutions continues to use to date. Win-win scenarios are achieved for the community and students alike, and that what the MVA strives for…excellence!
