Summer Institute Continues Successful Interprofessional Approach
The Veterans Affairs National Quality Scholars held their 12th Annual Summer Institute (SI12) at the Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee, VT. This year's 4-day conference was hosted by Dr. Mark Splaine, Program Director, from The Dartmouth Institute at Dartmouth Medical School. The conference brought together Fellows and Senior Scholars from each of the program sites. Additional guests included Dr. Stuart Gilman from the VA Office of Academic Affiliations, Karen Ott of the VA Office of Nursing Services, Dr. Daren Anderson of the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, and several VAQS alumni. SI12 participants also had the opportunity to hear Dr. Chaim Bell present his perspective on improvement approaches within the Canadian healthcare system.
The aim of SI12 was to create an intensive learning experience for Fellows, Senior Scholars, Program and Guest Faculty, and Alumni that enhances the following key areas:
• Practical knowledge about improving care for veterans
• Interprofessional learning
• Scholarship and research about the improvement of health care
• Personal and professional growth and career planning
• Building a learning community for the Fellowship Program
SI12 marked the second year that nurse Fellows and nurse Senior Scholars participated with physician colleagues in the four-day long event. As with SI11, the interprofessional aspect brought a distinctive spirit and energy to the meeting that was welcomed by all.
This year's Summer Institute was considered a success by all who attended.
