Exploring the Social Science of IPE: A Case Study from Thomas Jefferson University

An overarching goal of social science is to make the familiar strange – to expose what we often take for granted.  Utilizing established theories, concepts, and constructs as maps, and particular quantitative and qualitative methodologies as a compass, social scientists (sociologists, psychologists, educators, economists, anthropologists) shed valuable light on not only the if and the what, but more importantly the why and the how of the social world around us.

This seminar will explore the significance of the social sciences within IPE, using a case study of a clinician and social scientist dyad sharing their experience partnering together to co-create new models of curriculum evaluation and improvement. Using the Jefferson Health Mentors Program as an example, they will share practical steps taken, address challenges, and explore the beneficial outcomes for learners, patient educators, and faculty.

Robust audience participation and dialogue will be facilitated throughout the session.

Seminar Specific Learning Objectives:

Following this session, attendees will be able to:

• Consider the importance of including social scientists as members of IPE teams.
• Explore the benefits of expanding the role of social scientists within IPE teams to outcomes for learners, patients and faculty.
• Consider strategies to engage social scientists and potentially other partners (i.e. from the humanities, educational sciences) in the IPE community.