Currently under development is the college’s first interprofessional curriculum - a core curriculum that will synergistically engage CHSP students in all disciplines and programs and educate them as interprofessional teams. Congruent with current healthcare team practice philosophy, this novel approach to core education helps better prepare healthcare students at all levels to work in the global healthcare environment.
The Interprofessional Education (IPE) Institute team, led by Dr. Carolynn DeSandre, strives to develop interprofessional models of education in which faculty, students, and staff can collaboratively learn and practice healthcare; and aims to continue facilitating our community service outreach efforts through partnering the Departments of Counseling, Nursing, Physical Therapy and Interdisciplinary Healthcare with regional and international affiliates. The 2019-2020 IPE Institute team includes Dr. Kimberly Castle, Dr. Sharon Chalmers, Dr. Harrison Davis, Dr. Vanessa Jones and Ms. Susan Miller.
Dr. Carolynn DeSandre, CHSP Interim Dean, is a certified nurse-midwife and a family nurse practitioner. In addition, she holds a doctoral degree in human development and family science. Her area of special interest is in the development and management of chronic disease in the family unit. Dr. DeSandre maintains clinical practice at Good Samaritan Health Services of Gwinnett and enjoys participating in annual medical mission trips with students to Bolivia and Uganda through the Center for Global Engagement.
"I am honored to coordinate a committee comprised of such innovative and dedicated faculty and staff from each department within the College of Health Sciences & Professions. We remain committed to establishing core competencies in IPE; increasing implementation of interdisciplinary approaches to education both in and outside of the classroom. Our vision is to generate a community of faculty and alumni innovators who implement the improved delivery of healthcare through synergistic collaboration between health professionals."
-Dr. Carolynn DeSandre