Ohio State honors leaders in healthcare collaboration

In the fast-paced world of modern healthcare, the days of the solo practitioner are long gone. Today, the highest-quality patient care, the most impactful medical research, and the most effective clinical education all rely on a single element: interprofessional collaboration. That reality was the driving force behind the Office of Interprofessional Practice and Education's 2026 Excellence in Collaborative Action Awards. More than just an evening of celebration, this annual event spotlights those who are actively building bridges between different disciplines to create a more unified approach to care. 

This year, the office received over 150 nominations across 18 health sciences programs to honor the exceptional individuals leading the way in their fields. Notably, this year’s pool also highlighted the role of mentors from the Interprofessional Community Scholars Program; this demonstrates that true collaboration doesn't stop at the clinic doors and extends directly into the communities that we serve. Over 80 attendees joined in celebration of those honored at the event, including guest speaker Jenny Grabmeier, Director of Research Strategy and Team Science Facilitator, Translational Data Analytics Institute at The Ohio State University.

2026 Excellence in Collaborative Action Award Winners

Interprofessional Community Scholars Service Award 
This award recognizes a past or current community member participant of IPCS who actively supports student growth, education, and lifelong learning and understands and encourages interprofessional collaboration.

Recipient: Benyam Kifle

Excellence in Interprofessional Research Award

This award recognizes individuals or teams who have contributed significantly to the scholarship of interprofessional practice and education across educational, translational, practice-based, or student research categories.

Project: Evaluation of a Critical Illness Simulation Activity on Perceptions and Knowledge of Interprofessional Education Between Pharmacy and Nutrition Students

Recipients: 

• Casey May, PharmD, BCCCP, FNCS
• Kristen Roberts, PhD, RN, LD
• Essilvo Sulejmani, PharmD
• Victoria Williams, PharmD, BCCCP

Advancing Interprofessional Practice Award

This award recognizes leaders affiliated with Ohio State as faculty or practitioners who embody the BuckIPE core competencies: Values/Ethics, Roles/Responsibilities, Interprofessional Communication, Teams & Teamwork, Collaborative Leadership, and Evidence-based Practice.

Recipients: 

• Chirag Patel, MD 
• Kristen Hill, DNP, APRN-CNS, AGCNS-BC 

BuckIPE Facilitator Awards

Representing diverse health sciences backgrounds, these dedicated professionals lead the BuckIPE experiences that prepare learners to enter the workforce ready for seamless, collaborative care. The BuckIPE program itself stands as a testament to institutional teamwork, operating as a strategic partnership between The Ohio State University and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Recipients: 

• Community Cares Day: Laura C. Boucher, PhD, AT, ATC
• Fundamentals of Teamwork: Emily Black, OTD
• Tools for Interprofessional Teamwork: Jen Bennett, MS Ed
• Interprofessional Communication: Neeraj Tayal, MD
• Teams Advancing Health Outcomes (Team Event 1): Kelli Barnes, PharmD, BCACP, FAPhA
• Teams Advancing Health Outcomes (Team Event 2): Eleftheria Matsa, MD
• IPE in PWP: Samuel W. Dudley III, MD
• Trainee of the Year: Hannah Hall, PharmD
• Facilitator of the Year: Jaimie Patel, MD

By honoring these individuals and teams, Ohio State isn't just celebrating a single night of achievement, it is reinforcing a culture of collaborative care. 

Congratulations to all of the 2026 nominees and winners for going above and beyond to show the world what is possible when Buckeyes work as one!