IPE 101

Where Interprofessional Learning Begins

IPE 101 is a series of six online modules designed to welcome health professions students to Texas A&M Health and introduce the core concepts of interprofessional education (IPE) and collaborative practice. Whether students are studying dentistry, engineering medicine, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, or public health, IPE 101 provides the essential foundation for working effectively on interprofessional health teams.

The collective “North Star” for healthcare is the Quintuple Aim—improving patient outcomes, strengthening population health, reducing costs, supporting the well-being of the healthcare workforce, and advancing health equity. Achieving these goals requires exceptional teamwork skills, effective communication, and respect for the varied expertise across health professions. IPE 101 helps students begin developing these critical competencies.

Through this introductory series, students learn what it means to become not only members of their chosen profession, but also collaborative partners capable of contributing to safe, high-quality, person- and population-centered care.

What Students Learn in IPE 101

The six modules in IPE 101 introduce key elements of interprofessional learning at Texas A&M Health:

Module 1. Welcome to Texas A&M Health

Provides an overview of the institution, its health-focused colleges and schools, and the role of the Office of Interprofessional Practice, Education & Research (IPER) in supporting IPE across TAMU Health.

Module 2. Introduction to Interprofessional Education

Defines IPE and explains why learning with, from, and about other professions is essential for effective collaboration and improved health outcomes.

Module 3. TAMU Health IPE Events

Highlights major interprofessional learning activities students will encounter—such as Disaster Day, the IPER Symposium, Learning in Practice programs, and other immersive experiences.

Module 4. Why IPE Matters

Describes the evidence behind team-based care, including how strong teamwork enhances care quality, reduces medical errors, improves patient outcomes, and supports the health workforce.

Module 5. How IPE Works at Texas A&M Health

Explains how IPE is structured across programs, the various roles students play, and how the IPER office collaborates with faculty and staff to design and coordinate interprofessional learning opportunities.

Module 6. Applying IPE

Engages students with an introductory case study to illustrate how interprofessional teamwork, communication, and shared decision-making unfold in real clinical and community settings.

What Comes Next

Completing IPE 101 is only the first step in each student’s interprofessional journey. Throughout their time at Texas A&M Health, students will participate in a variety of team-based learning experiences that prepare them for collaborative practice upon graduation.

The competencies introduced in these modules—shared leadership, effective communication, mutual respect, and teamwork—are essential for delivering safe, effective, and equitable care to the communities served by Texas A&M Health.