Fostering Collaboration and Innovation in Interprofessional Education and Research at Nelson Mandela University.
Who Are You? Where Are You From? And What Is Your Role
I am Dr. Aayesha Kholvadia, a dedicated senior lecturer, HOD, and researcher and the IPE chairperson at Nelson Mandela University, within the Faculty of Health Sciences. My role involves advancing interprofessional education (IPE) and research, with specific focus areas on fostering collaborative practices among healthcare professionals. This includes bringing education and engagement to the three schools within our faculty: the School of Medicine, Clinical and Medicinal Sciences, and the School of Lifestyle and Behavioural Sciences. Originating from and working in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), a city in the Eastern Cape, I am acutely aware of the health inequality challenges in both curative and preventative health in our region. I am committed to promoting innovation and cooperation in health education and practice at NMU.
How Did You First Get Involved in Interprofessional Education and Research?
I am Dr. Aayesha Kholvadia, a dedicated senior lecturer, HOD, and researcher at Nelson Mandela University, within the Faculty of Health Sciences. My role involves advancing interprofessional education (IPE) and research, with specific focus areas on fostering collaborative practices among healthcare professionals. This includes bringing education and engagement to the three schools within our faculty: the School of Medicine, Clinical and Medicinal Sciences, and the School of Lifestyle and Behavioural Sciences. Originating from and working in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), a city in the Eastern Cape, I am acutely aware of the health inequality challenges in both curative and preventative health in our region. I am committed to promoting innovation and cooperation in health education and practice at NMU.
My journey into interprofessional education and research began during my early career as a PhD candidate at Wits, where one objective focused on the multidisciplinary management of knee osteoarthritis. Additionally, I was involved in IPE sessions where different departments in the faculty worked together on cases, witnessing the transformative impact of collaborative practice on patient outcomes. This inspired me to pursue further studies and research in IPE, eventually leading to my current role where collaborative practice is a focal point of my research, engagement, and teaching.
I am a member of The Network: Towards Unity for Health (TUFH) and the African Interprofessional Education Network (AfrIPEN), both national and international bodies dedicated to collaborative healthcare. Further I am supervising PG students in the discipline area (3 PhD and 2 Masters and 2 undergraduate). Research collaboration with Prof W Burdick from the University of Philadelphia
What Achievement Are You Most Proud of in the Area of Interprofessional Education and Research?
I am most proud of several significant achievements in the field of interprofessional education and research. I was a guest and invited speaker at the TUFH conference in Vancouver, Canada in 2022, which provided a platform to share insights and advancements in IPE on an international stage. Additionally, I serve as the chairperson of our faculty's IPE committee, where I lead efforts to integrate collaborative practices across different departments. I have also contributed to the academic literature, with my most recent publication being a literature review in the Patient Experience Journal titled "Patients’ Perceptions of Interprofessional Collaboration: A Scoping Review." These accomplishments have not only advanced the field but also significantly benefited our community and demonstrated the power of interprofessional collaboration.
What Does IPR.Global Mean to You?
To me, IPR.Global represents a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation. It is a community that unites scholars and practitioners from around the world, dedicated to enhancing interprofessional education and research, and ultimately improving global health outcomes.
Pineapple on Pizza: Yes or No?
Pineapple definitely belongs on pizza! There’s people who eat pizza without pineapple? Is that even legal? 😊
