Preparing Health Professions Graduates for the Dynamic Environment in Health Care:

The Role of Towson University’s Institute for Well-Being

Charlotte E. Exner, PhD., OT/L, FAOTA, DeanCollege of Health Professions

Towson University, Towson, Maryland

ASAHP Spring Meeting, March 22, 2013

Towson University’s model prior to Fall 2012

Separate Clinics/Centers: Speech-Language Hearing Clinic

Wellness Center

Center for Adults with Autism

Separate locations on the campus

Some integration of activities/initiatives

Different populations served/little “cross-over”

Vision for the Institute for Well-Being

• Location IN the community • Our centers located in close proximity to one

another—o proximity fosters discussion, discussion fosters

collaboration and sharing of approaches, models, practices

• Emphasis on “Well-Being”—with life span focus

Vision for the Institute for Well-Being (cont.)

Opportunities that would prepare students more effectively for:• Off-campus internships/clinicals/fieldwork—professional behaviors, skills, reflection

• Inter-professional practice

• Health Promotion roles across many disciplines

The Institute for Well-Being

A collaborative organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing

health and wellness in the community while providing outstanding student

education

The Institute for Well-Being is an over-arching structure that brings together key outreach centers in the College of Health Professions:

• The Speech, Language & Hearing Center• The Wellness Center• The Center for Adults with Autism• The Occupational Therapy Center

The Institute for Well-Being creates opportunities for new outreach and community participation:

Inter-professional programsContinuing education for professionalsEducational experiences for the public

The Institute for Well-Being:

•Supports an interface between health-related needs and student education

•Prepares our students to be outstanding contributors to and leaders of services and programs that support health and well-being.

Current and Planned Health Promotion Initiatives:

“Living with…” chronic conditions programs Screening activities Falls Prevention and Intervention program Support groups--stroke survivor group Senior Healthy Hearing program Voice Clinic for Professionals Student Weight Management program Healthy Bellies program ARC Living Skills program After School Language and Literacy program Wellness Wednesdays presentations Saturdays on the Spectrum presentations