Academic health colleges at UC receive national recognition

The UC medical campus has had a long, sustained and recognized effort in interprofessional education, practice and research with a focus on the urban underserved population. “This award not only exemplifies the leadership of our medical professionals but also the collaborative and innovative spirit that underpins their work to advance our teaching and research missions and the exemplary health care of the people we serve,” says Kristi Nelson, UC executive vice president for academic affairs and provost.

According to NAP officials, UC was picked as one of the five universities nationally participating in the Urban Universities for Health, a national academic learning collaborative funded by National Institutes of Health and the Association of American Medical Colleges, focused on investigative approaches to workforce development that lead to improved health outcomes and reduced disparities in local communities.

A commitment to inclusion and innovation currently drive’s the University of Cincinnati’s strategic direction, Next Lives Here. Through interprofessional approaches, Next Lives Here Urban Health Pathway cocreates solutions and work to develop an inclusive, diverse and culturally competent healthcare workforce.

For example, the colleges of Nursing and Pharmacy are developing a postgraduate certificate in Caring for the Underserved. This program will focus on providing an interprofessional learning opportunity and specialized training in the care of underserved populations for those students interested in pursuing professional practice in those population or health professional shortage areas upon graduation. The colleges of Nursing and Medicine have developed a postgraduate certificate program in Telehealth, with the first students starting this year. This program will focus on all aspects of telehealth and its integration within health practice for all levels of practitioners in the community at large based on local and national interests.

The award was to be presented on March 14 at the NAP Membership Banquet and Induction Ceremony in San Diego but was cancelled due to travel restrictions during COVID-19. 

Featured image at top: Arial view of the UC medical campus. Photo/Colleen Kelley/UC Creative + Brand