In two months, the American Interprofessional Health Collaborative (AIHC) and the Canadian Interprofessional Health Collaborative (CIHC) will host Collaborating Across Borders (CAB) V in Roanoke, Va. Whether you’ve attended the previous sessions or are joining for the first time, you’ll find that CAB is a wonderful venue for discussing interprofessional practice and education (IPE).

Many members of the National Center team will be at CAB V, and we’re looking forward to learning from others and celebrating the successes of our colleagues and partners.

But that’s only part of the reason we’re excited for CAB V – read the rest below!

1. The chance to network with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and professions

Whether you’re new to the field or were an early adopter, CAB is a great opportunity to network with hundreds of health care practitioners, researchers, educators, students and organizations involved in IPE. Networking opportunities are scheduled throughout the conference – during group discussion sessions, refreshment breaks, poster exhibitions and topic-themed dinners, among others – so bring plenty of business cards. Also, don’t forget to stop by the National Center’s exhibit space to say hello!

2.  The pre-conference workshops

As a new feature for this year, conference registrants will have the option to participate in half-day pre-conference workshops designed to provide collaborative/hands-on experiences on topics ranging from online education to building an interprofessional identity.  National Center staff members, Barbara Brandt, Frank Cerra and Nawal Lutfiyya, will lead a session on designing approaches to measuring the impact of interprofessional education on collaborative practice (IPECP) and health outcomes. Click here to learn more about the pre-conference workshops.

3. The invited speakers

How do we effectively incorporate patient and family voices in collaborative care? That’s a question speakers Sue Robins, Ted Meyer and Chris Powers will help answer during featured presentations. In the keynote address on September 30, Robins, a New York Times-published writer, will outline education through storytelling, while Meyer, an artist, will share his experiences using mixed art to document the emotional impact of pain and healing on patients, families and medical personnel. On October 2, Powers, CEO of the Canadian Patient Safety Institute, will discuss the role of teamwork from the patient perspective. Click here to learn more about the invited speakers.

Also, don’t miss the plenary session on October 1, when Barbara Brandt and National Center funding partners, Maryjoan Ladden, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Becky Spitzgo, Health Resources and Services Administration and George Thibault, Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, will discuss the role of the National Center in rethinking IPE through new models of care.

Additionally, during a special lunch session on October 1, invited speakers will share recommendations from two recent reports. First up, George Thibault will outline conference recommendations from “Enhancing Health Professions Education Through Technology” convened by the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation in April 2015.  Next, Barbara Brandt, Brenda Zierler, University of Washington, and Patricia Cuff, director, Global Forum on Innovation in Health Professional Education, National Academy of Medicine, will discuss recommendations from the Institute of Medicine consensus report “Measuring the Impact of Interprofessional Education on Collaborative Practice and Outcomes.” A $10 ticket is required to attend this lunch session.

4. The opportunity to learn from others

CAB V will continue the traditions established by previous CAB conferences by focusing on interprofessional education, practice, leadership and policy in a North American context. With more than 350 oral presentations, workshops, panels, discussion groups and posters, there will be many diverse examples of IPE that will help push the field forward. Check the schedule for a list of pre-conference and preliminary program learning opportunities. 

5. The chance to experience Roanoke

Roanoke, the Star City of the South, is known for its beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities. Come to CAB early (or stay late) to hike along the Appalachian Trail or to visit one of the many breweries, restaurants or museums in the Roanoke area. Click here to learn more about what Roanoke has to offer.

Finally, don’t forget that early bird registration closes August 14. Register today!