New Director Named for the Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education

Erika Freitas, PhD, has been named director of the University of Colorado Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education (CU CIPE). In this role, Freitas will build on the program’s commitment to preparing CU Anschutz Medical Campus students for collaborative, team-based environments.

CU CIPE brings together students in dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physician assistant and physical therapy to train as teams to prepare for the patient populations they will serve. The curriculum addresses vital issues such as health equity, justice and social determinants of health, which are essential for improving patient outcomes and community well-being. Students bring the unique perspectives of their disciplines while learning how to collaborate, communicate, address ethical dilemmas and solve problems, together.

Freitas joined CU last year, serving as associate professor and inaugural assistant dean of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. She brings experience in designing and implementing IPE curriculum through the lens of DEI.

‘Talented and innovative’

“Dr. Freitas is a talented and innovative educator with experience in community building and leadership,” said Shanta Zimmer, MD, senior associate dean of medical education.

Freitas spent nine years at Regis University in Denver, where she designed and implemented IPE curriculum, before joining the School of Pharmacy team. She will continue in her role as assistant dean of diversity, equity and inclusion for the School of Pharmacy in addition to directing CU CIPE.

“I think Dr. Freitas’ experience working in IPE in her role at Regis and her commitment to DEI and justice are the perfect combination of experiences we need to build on the excellent IPE program at our campus,” Zimmer said. “She has the talent and energy to bring faculty and students together across all the schools and colleges; her focus on taking students to the community will be a win for all of us and our patients.” 

Zimmer said CU Anschutz is a leader in interprofessional education and collaborative care models. Freitas will continue to advance this program that enhances education and encourages a shift in the culture of healthcare, moving from fragmented systems to more cohesive, collaborative practices.