SLU Interprofessional Team Competes in International Case Competition
Students from a variety of health professions programs at Saint Louis University (SLU) recently participated in the second annual International Interprofessional Case Competition (I2C2) with other students from around the world. Students were assigned interprofessional teams with participants from other institutions. SLU Physician Assistant student Shane Knell; Medical School student Haleh Matinrad; Health Sciences student Cecille Nemeth; and Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences student Sarah Scehovic participated in the competition against teams with individuals representing the United States, India, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt and South Africa.
Each team of students was asked to collaborate to form a response to a case the provided an ethical dilemma with clinical and social complexity. Top-scoring teams were selected to present their case in a live Zoom conference with the panel of judges in late October.
Knell had participated in an international case like this one in the past and was excited to be involved in the International Interprofessional Case Competition.
“It was a great experience. Sometimes it was challenging to set up our meetings because of time differences but meeting new people in different parts of the world is one of the reasons I signed up,” Knell said. “We all made it a point to stay connected. My group was extremely professional and respectful of each person’s discipline. I had a great time.”
Scehovic, who has participated in a similar case competition previously, explained how collaborating with unfamiliar teammates from various disciplines was great practice for a future career in health care.
“Working with different health care disciplines gave me a taste of what it would be like to work as a speech-language pathologist in a hospital setting. I gained experience in coordinating and collaborating with a dentist, social worker and nutritionist to create our patient’s swallowing treatment and fall prevention plans,” Scehovic said. “This reinforced that multiple disciplines are crucial for understanding the patient’s full needs and providing comprehensive care.”
SLU Doisy College of Health Sciences (DCHS) Vice Dean Anthony Breitbach, PhD, ATC, FASAHP, FNAP, who served as a faculty mentor for a team in the competition, was proud to see SLU and DCHS well represented in the competition and discussed what a great opportunity the event was for students to develop integral skills for their futures as health care providers.
“It was great for SLU to be involved in this year’s event and thank you to Haleh, Shane, Sarah and Cecille for stepping up to participate,” Dr. Breitbach said. “The I2C2’s unique format mixes students representing multiple professions with students from institutions all over the world and, in one short month, they need to come together to present their case. It’s a perfect opportunity for these future health professionals to build knowledge, skills, confidence, and cultural competence.”
Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution that values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. Founded in 1818, the University fosters the intellectual and character development of nearly 13,000 students on two campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Building on a legacy of more than 200 years, Saint Louis University continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.