Linking Interprofessional Networks for Collaboration (LINC)
From the LINC Executive Director
Linking Interprofessional Networks for Collaboration (LINC) is the UT San Antonio Health Science Center’s nationally recognized model to advance interprofessional education (IPE), defined as students from two or more health professions learning about, from, and with one another to enable effective collaboration and improve health outcomes. Our 2022 ASAHP Award for Institutional Excellence and Innovation in IPE and Collaborative Health Care and IPE contributions to the School of Nursing’s 2025 designation as an NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing Education were important milestones on our journey. Along the way, an ever-expanding list of impactful scholarship continues to underpin our excellence (see graph below). This includes publications in top journals—such as the New England Journal of Medicine, the Journal of Interprofessional Care, and the Journal of Interprofessional Education and Practice—invited presentations from prominent organizations like the American Medical Association and the National Center for IPE, and leading contributions to the world’s most widely used IPE competency framework published by the Interprofessional Education Collaborative.
As we celebrate our achievements and reflect on our progress, I am reminded of Thomas Edison’s famous quote about good fortune happening at the intersection of opportunity and preparation. LINC contributors—administrative leaders, faculty, staff and students from all of our health science center schools—have expended countless hours of planning and preparation since our inception in 2018 to capitalize on the opportunities that have materialized through our commitment to the LINC operating model (image below).
I feel a deep sense of pride in our accomplishments, immense gratitude for all of the individuals who contribute, and genuine optimism for the future of interprofessional teamwork at the UT San Antonio Health Science Center. I encourage you to read our QEP Impact Report for a detailed description of our approach over the last few years. If you would like to learn more about LINC, or contribute to our future success, please do not hesitate to contact me. There are many opportunities to get involved for faculty, staff, and students at UT San Antonio, as well as collaborators outside of our institution.