PERSPECTIVES 25th Anniversary - Fall-Winter 2018

18 [ Interprofessional Education and Collaboration ] variety of clinical and community-based settings. Health professionals, however, are not always adequately prepared through academic and clinical education for the shift in patient population or to work as part of interprofessional teams. 1, 2 Health care leaders and policymakers have recognized the importance of IPE to optimally prepare graduates to meet the needs of patients in a diverse and challeng- ing health care system. Published recommendations support formal training for health professions students in team-based skills needed to work effectively with other Interprofessional Fitness Program Teaches HPD Students About Autism While Serving the Community By Melissa M. Tovin, Ph.D., M.A., PT, Associate Professor, and Elise Bloch, Ed.D., OT/L, Associate Professor FOR 25 YEARS, the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences has been committed to preparing health professionals for the future demands of health care, with the ultimate goal of improving quality of life and health for patients and communities. To this end, the college and the university support innovative curricular strategies and projects that serve the local community through various outreach programs designed to promote health, wellness, and disease prevention. Fit for Friends, Fit for Life! is a community-based pro- gram designed to support the needs of young adults with autism in the local community, while teaching health professions students skills for interprofessional, education (IPE), collaboration, and practice. The changing landscape of today’s health care envi- ronment presents challenges for graduates of health professions education, including more diverse patient populations, increasing rates of specific diagnoses, and escalating health care costs. Moreover, graduates are often required to work on interprofessional teams in a