Community engagement has been a foundational concern for OIDP and IEPA. We have maintained a strong partnership with Crossings Clinic Midtown (previously Good Shepherd Clinic) since 2012. This partnership allows our IPE learners to gain hands-on, team-based experience while improving access to care, addressing social determinants of health, and addressing health disparities in Oklahoma County. Our focus on the community is also highlighted in our community-engaged simulations. Our SAME/FAME: Self-Advocates-as-Medical-Educators/Family-Advocates-as-Medical-Educators, and our 2SLGBTQ+ simulation engage community members with real-life experience as the standardized patient and team participant. This unique experience lets our student teams practice team communication skills with other professionals while understanding the unique circumstances of patients from these communities. The Social Determinants of Health/Health Literacy Simulation allows learners to consider hospital discharge needs with the patient included as team-member.
In the years ahead, we look forward to launching and strengthening additional collaborations such as the Bridges to Access Symposium. We will continue to establish new community partnerships through Unity Clinic Mobile Outreach with the intent of visiting each quadrant of the state. We look forward to continued growth with all of our campus stakeholders and community partners in preparing the team-ready health care workforce of tomorrow.