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PORTLAND, Maine

ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ participates in nation’s first interprofessional, intercollegiate student debate

ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ/SLU debate
Lauren Zito MSOT ’16, Liz Crawford MSOT '16 and Matt Devine DPT ’17

In the first interprofessional, intercollegiate, student debate in the country, students from the ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ 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 ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC), and addressed the merits of a private payer vs. single payer health insurance system. 

ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ students Liz Crawford, MSOT '16; Lauren Zito, MSOT '16; Michael Donovitch, DPT ’17 and Matt Devine DPTβ€˜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. β€œThe debate was a great opportunity to learn more about the future of our healthcare system,” he said. ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ also took second and fourth place for second opposition and first opposition arguments respectively. 

Occupational Therapy student Liz Crawford stated, β€œIn 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, β€œThese 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.

About the ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ

The ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.