Teesside University strengthens global healthcare education links

A Teesside University academic has helped strengthen international partnerships and advance collaborative approaches to healthcare education during a programme of activities in South Africa.

Dr Vikki Park, Senior Lecturer in Patient Experience, Outcomes and Healthcare Leadership, represented the University at a series of events focused on interprofessional education and collaborative practice in healthcare.

She delivered an insightful keynote presentation at the AfrIPEN Conference, which brought together educators, researchers and healthcare professionals from across the globe.

The presentation explored how inclusive approaches to interprofessional education can support the development of more equitable and collaborative health and social care systems.

During the visit, Dr Park also represented the UK and the Centre for the Advancement of Interprofessional Education (CAIPE) at an international partnership-building event, contributing to discussions on strengthening global collaboration in health professions education.

Later, she co-presented the newly launched Northern Interprofessional Education Strategy alongside Professor Melissa Owens from University of York, highlighting innovative approaches to interprofessional learning and workforce development taking place across the region.

Teesside University is a leading partner in the Northern IPE Strategy, which was co-authored by Dr Erica Clough, Principal Lecturer in Learning and Teaching, and represents the first initiative of its kind in the UK, bringing together far-reaching organisations to support collaborative interprofessional education.

As part of the wider programme of engagement, Dr Park participated in a World Health Organisation consultation, contributing to discussions on embedding interprofessional education within health professions curricula across Africa.

The visit also included activities at the University of the Western Cape, where Dr Park taught postgraduate students and facilitated a staff development workshop marking the launch of four interprofessional education projects.

The workshop brought together colleagues from a range of professional backgrounds to explore collaborative approaches to research, curriculum innovation, project development and partnership working.

Overall, the visit highlighted Teesside University’s leadership in interprofessional education and fostered new opportunities for global collaboration that can support better health and care outcomes worldwide.

Reflecting on the experience, Dr Park said: “One of the most significant aspects of the visit was engaging with the conference philosophy of Ubuntu, which emphasises our shared humanity, interconnectedness and collective responsibility.

“The discussions reinforced how these values align with interprofessional education and collaborative practice, reminding us that meaningful partnerships are fundamental to improving health and care outcomes.

“The experience highlighted the power of international collaboration and the importance of learning with, from and about one another across cultures, professions, and communities.”

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