IPEC and COF Recognize 2025 Excellence in Interprofessional Education Collaboration Awardees

Five projects recognized for excellence in team-based care and community health engagement

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) and the PHS Commissioned Officers Foundation for the Advancement of Public Health (COF) are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Excellence in Interprofessional Education (IPE) Collaboration Award.

“We commend this year’s awardees for their inspiring dedication to advancing interprofessional education and teamwork,” said Alison Whelan, MD, IPEC Board Chair and AAMC Chief Academic Officer. “Their efforts show how working together across professions can make a real difference in addressing health needs and strengthening the health workforce.”

The award acknowledges outstanding interprofessional team-based projects that enhance health outcomes and creatively promote community engagement. This year, IPEC and COF honor Emory University as the overall award recipient, alongside four other institutions receiving honorable mentions.

“This year’s submissions reflect tremendous creativity, leadership, and dedication,” added COF Board of Trustees President and USPHS Rear Admiral (retired) Kerry Nesseler, MS, RN, FAAN. “It is always a privilege to recognize these exceptional teams and to highlight the important role they play in advancing health outcomes through interprofessional collaboration.”

The complete list of the 2025 winners follows:

2025 IPEC COF Award: Overall Winner
Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Emory Farmworker Project

• Jodie Guest, MPH, Rollins School of Public Health, Office of Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice, Woodruff Health Sciences Center and Physician Assistant Program, School of Medicine, Emory University
• Emilia Grill, MPH, School of Medicine, Emory University Farmworker Project
• Alexander Kendall, MS, PA-C, School of Medicine, Emory University

2025 IPEC COF Honorable Mention: Health Communications and Health Technology
University of Hawaii at Hilo and University of Hawaii at Manoa (Hilo and Manoa, HI)
TELepresence InterProfessional RoboT (TELIPoRT) for Pharmacy and Nursing Students in Hawaii

• Sheri Tokumaru, PharmD, BCCCP, The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai’i at Hilo
• Lorrie Wong, PhD, RN, CHSE-A, FAAN, School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene, University of Hawaii at Manoa
• Nicole Young, PharmD, BCCCP, The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai’i at Hilo

2025 IPEC COF Honorable Mention: Behavioral Health
University of Mary, Bismarck, ND
Simulation-Enhanced Interprofessional Experiential Learning Project: Its Impact on Physical and Respiratory Therapy Students Using ISVS-21

• Michelle Keller, EdD, Physical Therapy, Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences, University of Mary
• Jessica Arndt, PhD, RRT, RRT-ACCS, Respiratory Therapy, Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences, University of Mary
• Christine Sperle, PhD, Respiratory Therapy, Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences, University of Mary

2025 IPEC COF Honorable Mention: Public Health Infrastructure
Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL
Disaster Day Simulation

• Joseph Buhain, EdD, MBA, RRT, CHSOS, CMSP, FAARC, NREMTB, Marieb College of Health & Human Service, Florida Gulf Coast University
• Sharon Yvonne Wright, PhD, RN, CNE, CHSE, School of Nursing, Marieb College of Health & Human Services, Florida Gulf Coast University
• Courtney Pledger, PA-C, Physician Assistant Program, Marieb College of Health & Human Services, Florida Gulf Coast University

2025 IPEC COF Honorable Mention: Community Empowerment and Education
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences – Worcester Campus, Worcester, MA
Enhancing Interprofessional Education through a Community-Based Falls Awareness Event for Older Adults

• Jessica Rydingsward, PT, DPT, CCS, GCS, School of Physical Therapy, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
• Alia Khalaf, OD, School of Optometry, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
• Cheryl Babin, PT, DHS, MHA, CAGS, FNAP, School of Physical Therapy, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

The awards will be presented at the upcoming IPEC Membership Meeting and Award Ceremony. “IPEC and COF look forward to celebrating the award-worthy projects initiated by these forward-leaning universities,” shared Shelley McKearney, Administrative Director of IPEC. “These initiatives stress the core value of interprofessional teamwork in tackling today’s urgent health challenges and in shaping the next generation of health professionals.”

To learn more about the award, including past recipients and projects, visit the IPEC website.

About the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC)

IPEC works to advance interprofessional learning experiences and promote team-based care models to enhance population health outcomes. IPEC represents national health professions associations committed to preparing future health professionals for collaborative practice. For more information, visit IPEC’s website.

About the PHS Commissioned Officers Foundation for the Advancement of Public Health (COF)

The COF was established to strengthen leadership in public health through advocacy, education, research, partnerships, and direct support of prevention and health programs. COF advances career development for officers in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service and promotes the growth of the Corps as a vital force for a healthier nation and world. For more information, visit the COF website.