The Center for Interprofessional Education (C-IPE) 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.
Amani Abuelenain (she/her) is earning a M.P.H. in Health Management and Policy from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She recently completed a summer internship with the Center for IPE, where she was able to develop her passion for multidisciplinary teamwork and gain experience in developing curriculum, operational work and relationship building. Learn how Amani’s experience is helping her grow her skills in health administration.
What drew you to your field of study?
During the semester that COVID-19 shut down universities, I was in a public health class where I was introduced to the fundamentals of population level health and the professor held my attention by teaching us information as if they were stories. Throughout the class, she continued to remind us that “We know public health is working when no one knows what it is” and COVID-19 taught me that lesson rather quickly. Those years emphasized the importance of prevention work, especially in relation to addressing health disparities. This was a space where I could see myself contributing to work that would directly impact my community.
Why did you decide to attend the University of Michigan?
The most fundamental reason that attracted me to attending the University of Michigan was for the welcoming network I would gain. Every person that I had connected with prior to attending the school provided me with a great deal of guidance and encouragement.
Please describe your involvement in the Center for IPE.
I recently completed a summer administrative internship for the C-IPE and have had the privilege of contributing to several projects. The projects have enabled me to refine my skills in several areas including developing curriculum, operational work and relationship building. The breadth of work confirmed my initial excitement for the chance to work for such a center. My passion for multidisciplinary teamwork within public health aligned perfectly with the mission of the C-IPE and I have been able to develop my experience in relation to interprofessional education and teamwork.
Why is interprofessional education important to you?
I have experience in several sectors where I have been able to engage in interdisciplinary work and develop my passion for cohesive efforts and collaboration. While every team I have been a part of has been instrumental in shaping my personal and professional skills, there was a consistent gap that became evident to me. While many teams were working well together and attempting to comprehensively address solutions from a variety of backgrounds, it was clear that there failed to be a prioritization of training for navigating interdisciplinary spaces. It is a point that was also evident to me through my education on health systems. Therefore, by encouraging the implementation of interprofessional education, individuals can adopt the interprofessional skills necessary to produce effective teamwork and fundamental changes in the health care system.
How have you grown since becoming involved with the Center for IPE?
My time at the Center for IPE has taught me how to better understand the responses and behaviors of individuals, especially during moments of high stress. Through the tools implemented by the team, I have been learning how to identify when individuals are exhibiting behaviors that indicate they are experiencing stressful moments and how to become a source of support and compassion during such times. These tools continue to shape how I am developing my approach to such situations. Furthermore, the opportunity I have had to contribute to a number of projects has enabled me to professionally develop in several areas.
What do you want your fellow students to know about IPE?
I want students to know that there is a space for everyone in IPE. Certain individuals may wonder where they can fit in a space that is traditionally clinical-centered. However, the intention of IPE is to join the forces of all areas of expertise, ranging from public health and social work to medicine and nursing. It is a space where I found a need for the voices of future health administrators and where we can learn to foster better relationships with those enacting the clinical work. Therefore, I encourage everyone to identify how they can contribute to such endeavors as all efforts are vital in promoting effective teamwork and improvement of population level health outcomes.
Who or what has inspired you on your educational journey?
First and foremost, my educational journey has been inspired by my family. They have provided me with the support, encouragement and guidance that has continued to empower me to pursue a career in public health. My community is another fundamental motivation for my fierce belief and championing the importance of prevention and public health. Within my community, there is a sense of mistrust in the health system and the presence of health disparities. Therefore, I continue to pursue public health with the hope of acting as a bridge between my community and the resources that can help them to achieve improved health outcomes and build trust.
What is your ultimate career goal after graduation?
My ultimate career goal is to advance within health administration, where I can continue to champion the improvement of interprofessional teamwork and implement everything I have learned from my time at C-IPE. I am hopeful that I will be able to fundamentally impact the landscape of the health system to improve coordination. I am open to different types of positions that I will take on during my journey, but I hope to continue to contribute to work that directly aligns with my personal mission and benefits my community.
What do you like to do for fun outside of school?
I enjoy being outside going biking or on a walk. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and two cats.
What is your favorite spot on campus or place in Ann Arbor?
My favorite spot on campus is the Arb. It is beautiful and provides a scenic view if you choose to walk through it. While I was always close to it during my first year at SPH, my first time walking through was with the C-IPE team where we saw the peonies.
