November 15, 2010
At present, interprofessional education is an idea in transition from vision to reality. However, it’s been a reality for several years at the Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCUHS), in Whittier, California.
SCUHS starts from an exceptionally favorable position, since it includes a college of chiropractic, a college of acupuncture and Oriental medicine, and certificate programs in massage therapy and Ayurvedic medicine. “Our board of regents decided years ago that we would offer integrated education,” says Michael Sackett, DC, MS, DABCO, interim dean of the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic. “It’s important for both students and faculty to understand what each of the CAM professions does. The more you understand how someone else’s toolbox works, the better it is for your patient.”
SCUHS offers a flexible curriculum. Some students study chiropractic, some study acupuncture and Oriental medicine, while some opt for a dual degree in both disciplines. For example, in fall 2010, the entering class will include about 75 students who plan to study chiropractic, 16 who plan to study acupuncture and Oriental medicine, and 28 who plan to study both.
The curriculum includes a number of core courses that everyone takes. Chiropractic and acupuncture students sit side by side in some of the basic science courses, as well as courses in public health and classes on how to take a history. In addition, all the disciplines participate jointly in student organizations and social events. “This means our students learn throughout their training how other disciplines analyze health issues. They become familiar with other disciplines’ vocabulary and their approaches to treatment,” Sackett says. “When our students are in practice, they will be prepared to make referrals to other professionals, and to work in collaborative teams.” Hopefully, in coming years this model will become more widely available, as educators seek out opportunities for a variety of health professions to study and practice together.
