More than 250 Husson University students will participate in the Third Annual Interprofessional Evening of Conversation on Feb.19 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Gracie Theatre.

The event, structured in a manner similar to "grand rounds", features a simulated case presentation with an actor portraying a patient with a health condition. Students observe the interview and then engage in small group discussions from an interprofessional perspective where they formulate a care plan for the "patient."

Twenty-five student and faculty facilitators help engage the more than 250 Husson students participating in this event.

Husson University is one of only a few institutions of higher education in Maine using this cutting-edge method of education for their healthcare and education programs.

Once completed, the students from the various healthcare and education disciplines will have gained insight into drawing out information from patients, identifying treatment options and the potential for various healthcare disciplines to contribute to a plan of action that improves patient outcomes.

"While there are many opportunities for Husson students to experience interprofessional collaboration as part of their education, the "Evening of Conversation" is the first patient-focused interprofessional activity for a significant number of our students," Peg Olson,  a faculty member in Husson University's School of Physical Therapy, said in a statement.

Students majoring in physical therapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy, health care studies, education, and graduate mental health counseling as well as those pursuing bachelor's and graduate nursing degrees are expected to join

"Participating in this event will help students gain the skills they'll need to be effective in today's team-oriented healthcare delivery system. This includes the medical home models of healthcare delivery that demand interprofessional evaluation and consultation," Olson said.