This 4-hour module begins with an icebreaker, followed by a case-based discussion and physical exam practice in small mixed-learner groups. The second half focuses on pharmacotherapy for over-the-counter pain medications, pain and rehabilitation self-management strategies with NP and OT facilitators, and an interactive presentation on evidence-based manual therapies for low back pain, co-taught by PT and chiropractic facilitators.

Peranson J, Weis CA, Slater M, Plener J, Kopansky-Giles D. An interprofessional approach to collaborative management of low-back pain in primary care: A scholarly analysis of a successful educational module for prelicensure learners. J Chiropr Educ. 2024 Mar 4;38(1):30-37. doi: 10.7899/JCE-22-24. PMID: 38329313; PMCID: PMC11097224. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11097224/ 

Note for STUDENTS regarding the Facilitator Workshop: Attending the workshop alone will NOT grant you any elective recognition – no exceptions. After completing the workshop you will need to sign up to act as a student lead/facilitator for a separate elective learning activity. Once you have completed the workshop PLUS the facilitated activity, you will be granted the equivalent of 2 electives. Any other activity you facilitate afterwards will count as 1 elective recognition.

Introduction

The Interprofessional Health, Arts and Humanities Certificate Program is a partnership between the Health, Arts and Humanities Program (http://health-humanities.com/) and the Centre for Advancing Collaborative Healthcare & Education (CACHE) at the University of Toronto. The aim of the certificate program is to foster the development of collaborative, patient/client-centered care as well to foster critical resilience practices in professional development. The program is designed to advance a deeper understanding of health, illness, suffering, disability, and the provision of healthcare by creating a community of scholars in the arts, humanities, and clinical sciences. Previous iterations of the program have been well received by learners from across the health professions, allowing learners to employ arts-based modalities to enhance reflection, to enhance reflection, to advance critical thinking and to explore creative options for renewal and for supporting wellbeing.

Objectives:

1. Discuss the benefit of studying arts and humanities and their application to healthcare (patient/client care and interprofessional team competencies) 
2. Demonstrate enhanced narrative competence and humility in reflective writing and responses to patient/client stories  
3. Demonstrate self-awareness, listening skills and reflexivity in group discussion 
4. Explore role of narrative and mindfulness practices in promoting clinician well-being and resiliency
5. Demonstrate skills needed to transfer learnings to practice and educational settings

Eligibility:

The certificate is open to all students in the health profession programs at the University of Toronto (Dentistry, Medical Radiation Sciences, Undergraduate Medicine, Postgraduate Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, Professional Kinesiology, Social Work, Speech-Language Pathology, Spiritual Care).

Expectations:

Students will apply for acceptance into the Certificate Program. As there is a waitlist for participation, a firm commitment to completing the Program is expected. Faculty Deans/Chairs will be notified of non-completion.

Once accepted to the program and registered, participants are expected to attend all requisite sessions (Orientation, 4 Narrative-Based Medicine and 4 Performance of Healthcare seminars, and the final presentation). If a session must be missed (under exceptional circumstances), please notify the unit coordinators by email for further instructions.

Upon request, Certificate course organizers will liaise with a Program to assist learners in navigating other course/on-call activities as needed.

Students must agree to have cameras on throughout the class and in small group discussions and to participate in group discussions. If cameras are not on, the attendance for the session will not be recognized.

Upon completion of all requirements, students will receive:

1. A Certificate of Completion for the Interprofessional Health, Arts and Humanities Program.
2. Two IPE Elective Recognitions at the Immersion Level.

Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 Interprofessional Health Arts & Humanities Certificate Program!

APPLY HERE!

Applications are due by end of day, September 17th, 2026.