Linking Interprofessional Networks for Collaboration (LINC), the Quality Enhancement Plan at UT Health San Antonio
From the LINC Director
“Good fortune often happens when opportunity meets with preparation.” –Thomas Edison
In 2022, UT Health San Antonio’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)—Linking Interprofessional Networks for Collaboration (LINC)—emerged as a nationally recognized model to advance university-wide interprofessional education (IPE). The most prominent evidence of this accomplishment was our 2022 Award for Institutional Excellence and Innovation in IPE and Collaborative Health Care from the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions. An expanding list of impactful scholarship underpins our excellence (see graph below). Chief among these was “A Hidden Crisis”, a pedagogical tool published in the New England Journal of Medicine that leverages our strength and innovation in case study development using graphic novel-style storytelling. Numerous invited presentations this year elevated our national reputation, as well, including from prominent IPE organizations such as the Interprofessional Education Collaborative. And a best poster award from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing was icing on the cake.
As we reflect on our good fortune, I am reminded of Thomas Edison’s quotation above that serves as the namesake for our 2022 LINC Annual Report. LINC contributors—administrative leaders, faculty, staff and students from all of our schools— expended countless hours of planning and preparation this year to capitalize on the opportunities that have materialized through our commitment to the LINC operating model (image below).
After nearly four years as LINC Director, I feel a deep sense of pride in our accomplishments, immense gratitude for all of the individuals who contributed, and genuine optimism for the future of interprofessional teamwork at UT Health San Antonio. If you would like to learn more about LINC, or contribute to LINC’s success, please do not hesitate to contact me. There are many opportunities to get involved for faculty, staff, and students at UT Health San Antonio, as well as collaborators outside of our institution.