As soon as you step into the Local Distro, the sound of laughter and chatter fills the air, mixed with the intoxicating aroma of savory spices and sizzling carnitas being prepared by Chef Eli and his energetic crew. The space truly integrates the outside into the inside -- showcasing the work of local artisans representing the vibrant culture and history of the Salemtown neighborhood. A “Watch Your Step” sign serves as both a cautionary appeal and a request from Will Radford, owner, to literally watch your step, slowing down, being present and mindful of the intentionally curated communal space. The Local Distro could not be a more perfect venue to showcase the incredible IPE Student Projects.
Since 1999, the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance (MVA) has been focused on creating space and programming for innovative interprofessional education (IPE) collaboration to leave a lasting impact on the Nashville community.
In collaboration with Belmont University, Lipscomb University, Meharry Medical College, Tennessee State University, Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and our incredible community partners, the IPE Student Project provides students with an opportunity to work in tandem with local organizations to best address the issues they face.
On April 13th, the MVA hosted seven student healthcare teams, six community partners, and academic institutions to celebrate another successful collaboration. Taking place at the relationship- and community-oriented Local Distro, the event included presentations from all student groups, as well as award presentations to community partners.
Community partners included the Oasis Center, Dismas House, Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency, Our Place Nashville, Urban Housing Solutions, and Special Olympics of Tennessee.
Jessica Jones, Program Manager for the MVA, has been directing the IPE program for 4 years. At the IPE Student Project Celebration, Jones stated that the students never fail to impress her year after year.
“To the students…thank you for your dedication and innovative approach to addressing some of our community partners’ deepest needs. Every year, I am awestruck at the collaboration that takes place in the IPE Program. I couldn’t be more thankful for you all, our faculty, and our invaluable community partners,” Jones stated.
Check out poster presentations stream from the 2022-2023 IPE Student Project Celebration in the video below.
About the IPE Student Project:
The inter-institutional, interprofessional education (IPE) student project, hosted by the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance, provides an opportunity for students from various health professions programs in the Nashville area to collaborate with community partners in a real-world setting. Guided by our partnering community organizations, a team of professionally diverse students will create and implement plans of action to address real community-defined needs. For more information about the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance’s Interprofessional Education (IPE) Program and Student Project, please visit www.meharry-vanderbilt.org/IPE.
About the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance:
The Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance is a collaborative initiative between Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Since 1999, faculty, researchers, health professionals, students, and community members have worked with the MVA to address health disparities. The MVA is committed to cultivating strategic partnerships, building community capacity, and facilitating research and learning opportunities. We seek to promote resources and assets that strengthen connections between our institutions, partners, and the populations they serve.