This Lightning Talk will explore the transformative impact of the AIHC Mentoring Program—not solely in terms of goal completion, but in fostering professional confidence, community, and collaborative growth within interprofessional education and practice (IPEP). While my mentor and I began our journey with clearly outlined objectives, the most meaningful outcomes have emerged from the relational aspects of our connection. Being paired with a mentor from another institution and a different professional background offered not only a fresh perspective but also an empathetic and experienced sounding board.
This experience has been especially impactful because, despite IPE being collaborative by design, many professionals doing the daily work of IPE are often in isolated or under-supported roles. The mentoring relationship created space to reflect, exchange ideas, validate experiences, and build confidence in navigating leadership within IPE settings. It served as a reminder that cultivating relationships is as essential as building infrastructure when it comes to sustaining interprofessional practice and education.
This presentation aligns with Theme 5: Developing and Sustaining Leadership in Interprofessional Practice and Education by the use of examples throughout the presentation we aim to highlight mentorship as a strategy for leadership development, retention, and professional fulfillment in IPE. The AIHC Mentoring Program supports leaders in developing management skills, expanding their national network, and creating a pipeline of resilient and reflective professionals equipped to advance interprofessional collaboration.
Value to Learners: Attendees will learn how mentoring experiences, especially those built on trust and mutual learning, can enhance leadership readiness and support workforce sustainability in both academic and practice settings. The talk will offer a narrative-driven case for mentoring programs as a cost-effective and human-centered approach to achieving better education, more engaged professionals, and ultimately better care.
Priority Criteria:
• Supports sustainable leadership development
• Enhances workforce well-being and retention
• Aligns with Quadruple Aim outcomes, particularly improving the wellness of the health care team
In support of improving patient care, this activity is planned and implemented by The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education Office of Interprofessional Continuing Professional Development (National Center OICPD). The National Center OICPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
As a Jointly Accredited Provider, the National Center is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The National Center maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive continuing education credits.
The National Center OICPD (JA#: 4008105) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers (ATs).
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.
Physicians: The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education designates this live activity for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with their participation.
Physician Assistants: The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME.
Nurses: Participants will be awarded contact hours of credit for attendance at this workshop.
Nurse Practitioners: The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME and ANCC.
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians: This activity is approved for contact hours.
Athletic Trainers: This program is eligible for Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.
Social Workers: As a Jointly Accredited Organization, the National Center is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The National Center maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive continuing education credits.
IPCE: This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.
Learners can claim CE credit by completing the Daily Evaluation.
