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In the first interprofessional, intercollegiate, student debate in the country, students from the �ᰮ�Թ� Departments of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy vied with students from Saint Louis University (SLU) on Tuesday April 5, 2016. The debate, based on the British Parliamentary style, was hosted by the UNE Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC), and addressed the merits of a private payer vs. single payer health insurance system. 

UNE students Liz Crawford, MSOT '16; Lauren Zito, MSOT '16; Michael Donovitch, DPT ’17 and Matt Devine DPT‘17 were charged with researching and supporting the position that a private payer health insurance system is the best framework for the United States. Physical Therapy student Matt Devine was awarded second place in individual scoring. “The debate was a great opportunity to learn more about the future of our healthcare system,” he said. UNE also took second and fourth place for second opposition and first opposition arguments respectively. 

Occupational Therapy student Liz Crawford stated, “In addition to learning a lot about our topic, I gained valuable insight with regards to my own assumptions, leadership, interprofessional teamwork and British Parliamentary Debate.” Amy Litterini, P.T., D.P.T, noted after attending Tuesday's debate, “These students were extremely prepared, confident, and able to very clearly articulate their points. I certainly hope more students will take advantage of this great opportunity in the future.”

IPEC transforms health care education by fostering community-centered, collaborative learning and interprofessional practice.