Joe Zorek, assistant professor (CHS) in the Pharmacy Practice Division, was an invited presenter at the National Academy of Medicine’s (formerly Institute of Medicine) recent Global Forum on Innovation in Health Professional Education workshop. The two-day workshop was dedicated to exploring the role of accreditation in enhancing quality and innovation in health professions education. Zorek led a discussion on enhancing quality and innovation around key findings from his research on interprofessional education accreditation standards.

The Global Forum is an ongoing, convening activity of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (the Academies) that brings together stakeholders from multiple nations and professions to network, discuss and illuminate issues within health professional education. Currently, there are over 60 appointed members to the Forum who are academic experts and health professionals representing 18 different disciplines from 9 countries. Of these members, 46 are sponsors. Members gather twice a year to attend Forum-sponsored events to address topics that emphasize engaging students, being patient- and person-centered, and creating an environment of learning with and from partners outside of the United States.

The Academies are private, nonprofit institutions that provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions related to science, technology, and medicine. The Academies operate under an 1863 congressional charter to the National Academy of Sciences, signed by President Lincoln.

Zorek’s research is centered on interprofessional education and collaborative practice, with secondary foci on health outcomes from practice-based innovations and curriculum assessment. He serves as the UW-Madison School of Pharmacy Interprofessional Education Liaison and is a founding member of the UW-Madison Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education. Zorek is the school’s official representative to the St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy located in Madison, Wis. In addition, he currently practices as a care transitions pharmacist at St. Mary’s Hospital, also located in Madison, Wis.