More than 85 students from a range of programs—including Nursing, Health and Exercise Sciences, Psychology, Medicine, and Social Work—gathered at the UBC Okanagan campus on September 24 for the Health Student Caucus (HSC) Interprofessional Case Competition, sponsored by UBC Health.
Led by Health Student Caucus representatives Talyna Szymanski (BHES) and Kalli Matthew (BSN), the event invited students to collaborate on a complex case study, engage in problem solving across disciplines, and strengthen their communication and teamwork skills.
“Organizing this initiative for my UBCO community was such a rewarding experience,” said Talyna Szymanski. “Seeing the turnout and enthusiasm from students and staff was incredibly meaningful. I hope this event inspired a deeper respect and understanding of the many allied health professions.”
“Watching students come together, form their own interdisciplinary teams, and collaborate on the complex case was a powerful reminder of the value of teamwork in healthcare,” added Kalli Matthew. “Experiences like this prepare us for the collaborative nature of healthcare, where working together across disciplines is essential for providing the best patient care.”
Collaboration and Learning in Action
Throughout the competition, students worked in interprofessional teams to address real-world health challenges.
“Collaborating with a diverse team of students was both enriching and eye-opening,” said Braxtyn Catana (BSc Biology). “Everyone brought different perspectives and problem-solving approaches, which made our discussions more creative and well-rounded.”
For Lauren Fraser (BSc Psychology), the competition reinforced the importance of taking a holistic approach to patient care. “I will carry forward the importance of maintaining a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Considering biological, pharmacological, and social factors ensures the most effective care possible.”
The top teams received a total of $2,000 in prizes—an initial $1,000 contribution from UBC Health, generously matched by the Health and Exercise Science Student Association (HESSA).
Empowering Student Leadership
Faculty members commended the event for demonstrating the power of student-led initiatives.
“It was successful because it was student led,” said Dr. Sally Stewart, Associate Professor of Teaching in the School of Health and Exercise Sciences. “If professors had organized it, it might have felt like homework. When students see other students caring about what they’re interested in, it inspires them to show up and take part.”
Dr. Stewart added that interprofessional experiences like this are key to preparing future healthcare professionals. “We need interprofessional health care for the best health of our community. Seeing these students so engaged and excited about working together gets me excited for the future of healthcare.”
A Community Effort
The competition featured Dr. Marie Tarrant as the keynote speaker and judges Dennis Jasper, Dr. Carolyn Szostak, Dr. Sally Stewart, and Aidan O’Callahan. Student helpers Sarah Dayman, Nate Delver, Vlad Petrariu, and Zyah Miller supported the event’s logistics.
Photos were taken by Erem Ozdemir (eremkozdemir@gmail.com | Instagram: @eremmozdemir).
Looking Ahead
As the evening concluded with a networking session, students reflected on what they had learned and the importance of working together across disciplines.
“No single ingredient makes a meal; no single discipline solves a case,” said Charlotte Alexander (BA Psychology), reflecting on the experience.
The Interprofessional Case Competition exemplifies how student leadership, collaboration, and community engagement strengthen the future of health education.
UBC Health and the Health Student Caucus encourage students to continue seeking opportunities to engage in interprofessional learning, leadership, and collaboration within the health community. You can see a few more photos and highlights in our LinkedIn post here.