Nikki Trupiano (center) poses with C-IPE leaders Dr. Rajesh Mangrulkar (left) and Vani Patterson (right)
When Nikki Trupiano entered medical school, she had the goal of developing and creating interprofessional education (IPE) curricula to improve students’ learning with and from each other. She hit the ground running, eventually serving as the interprofessional representative for her medical school class, and working with the Michigan Center for Interprofessional Education (C-IPE) as a co-chair of Student Advisory Committee, as a member of the Executive Committee, and engaging with two workgroups.
On April 4, Trupiano received the Student Award for IPE Innovation and Excellence at the annual University of Michigan Health Professions Education Day.
This award encompasses the breadth and depth of IPE work that Nikki has participated in while at the University of Michigan. Some notable contributions include helping create and implement the experiential program, Longitudinal Interprofessional Family Experience (LIFE), which was recognized with the Provost’s Teaching Innovation Prize in 2022. She worked on two IPE introductory modules, offering the student perspective, and has participated in numerous conferences, presentations, posters and publications.
The C-IPE Awards for IPE Innovation and Excellence were established to recognize and celebrate demonstrated excellence in teaching, scholarship or leadership in the areas of IPE or interprofessional practice across the University of Michigan health science schools.
While her contributions are many, she is most proud of the relationships she has built with faculty and learners across multiple programs. Shared one of her award nominators: “Nikki is a valued member of our team, and her impact will be remembered long after she graduates.”