The Center for Interprofessional Education works with undergraduate, graduate and professional students from all ten health science schools across the University of Michigan. Get to know the remarkable students who are learning to work in interprofessional teams while earning their Michigan degree.
Lauren Gardner (she/her) is a graduate student at the University of Michigan School of Public Health earning a Master of Health Services Administration degree. Her passion for IPE is shaped by her commitment to teamwork and a desire to improve systems for the benefit of patients. Read on to learn how Lauren has been working with the Center for IPE to improve collaborative care at Michigan Medicine.
What drew you to your field of study?
A focus on health and well-being has always been a part of my identity. As a kid, I fell in love with the sport of field hockey which led me to becoming an athletic trainer. As a masters student at California State University, Fullerton, I learned about the importance of patient-centered care and the impact that teamwork has on health care outcomes. After my residency program, I worked as a clinical athletic trainer and practice manager within Michigan Medicine’s MedSport office. A large portion of my work was expediting complex scheduling and patient communication across Michigan Medicine. I learned the true value of care coordination that extends beyond creating a seamless patient experience — putting the patient at the center of their health care journey and creating opportunities for patients to be true members of their health care team.
After working in the clinical setting throughout the pandemic, I felt called to develop my skills as a leader, innovator and advocate for myself, patients, my peers and the profession that has taught me so much. This ultimately motivated me to pursue my career in health care administration with a focus on systems-based change to facilitate high quality and accessible care for all patients.
Why did you decide to attend the University of Michigan?
Ann Arbor has not only been my home since 2018, but it is home to one of the most prestigious universities and health care systems in the country. I could not imagine going to school anywhere else!
Please describe your involvement in the Center for IPE.
Throughout my career as a practicing athletic trainer, I saw the impact of a cohesive team approach on clinical practice and continuity of care. Although I did not have the words to describe it at the time, what I was experiencing was the result of interprofessional collaboration.
As a part of my current academic program, I had the opportunity to partner with the Center for IPE for a semester-long immersive field experience. I was welcomed with open arms by Dr. Raj Mangrulkar, Vani Patterson and the rest of the Center for IPE team.
I was able to contribute to a project focused on understanding the relationship between patient and provider expectations of team-based care. As a part of this work, I was able to join the Educator Development workgroup where we are developing tools to improve collaborative health care practices in our own system.
Why is interprofessional education important to you?
Taking a note from Coach Bo Schembechler in his famous speech to the Michigan Football Team in 1983: “The Team, The Team, The Team.”
In health care we bring together a group of individuals who are experts in their respective areas, but we can only provide comprehensive care in a group environment. I truly believe that interprofessional education and practices are the gateway to high quality, safe and effective health care. Through the Center for IPE’s research, I have come to understand that our patients are experiencing a segmented health care system. The great news is that there is so much that we can do to improve this — by facilitating collaborative health care practices within our own corners of the health care community, we can move closer to providing the best care we can for our patients.
How have you grown since becoming involved with the Center for IPE?
Since joining the Center for IPE, I have had the opportunity to develop my patient advocacy skills in ways that I never imagined were possible. Partnering on projects that develop an understanding of systems-based collaborative care practices and the tools needed to solve those issues has been a true joy.
I recently attended the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Forum, where I presented the work our team is doing around how patients perceive team-based care at Michigan Medicine. Our presentation generated insightful conversations and feedback around the work we are doing at C-IPE. Developing proposals, presentations and posters have sharpened my skills in translating this research to application beyond our own health care system as many are facing the same challenges across the country.
Who or what has inspired you on your educational journey?
I frequently reflect on my first week of my graduate assistant position at California State University, Fullerton. I had just moved across the country without knowing a soul and despite having the certification saying I was ready to care for patients, I felt anything but prepared.
Our head athletic trainer, Julie Max, met with us during orientation week and during this conversation, my outlook on the transition from student to practice shifted. I realized that she was not expecting me to do this all on my own — the team was there to make sure that we all succeeded. She created an athletic medicine environment at CSUF that was shaped by teamwork. She led our team of staff, AT students, student-athletes, coaches and physicians with love and continues to inspire the future generation of athletic trainers even in her well-deserved retirement.
During that first orientation meeting many years ago, she explained her desire for us to pick up “pearls” of information or skills during our time as graduate assistants. She hoped that we would hold them close to us and retrieve them throughout our careers. Leading with love and creating a collaborative environment are my largest pearls that she has given me and I will carry these proudly throughout the remainder of my career in health care.
What is your ultimate career goal after graduation?
After graduation, I will be joining the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) as a project manager right here in Ann Arbor. I could not be more excited to join this global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing knowledge in extracorporeal life support.
What do you like to do for fun outside of school?
Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend, Jake, and my chihuahua, Ringo. We like to spend time exploring downtown Ann Arbor, especially the food scene.
What is your favorite spot on campus or place in Ann Arbor?
My new favorite spot in Ann Arbor is Lowerton Bar & Cafe on Broadway in downtown Ann Arbor. They recently opened and have been a great spot to study and grab a great local coffee!