An interprofessional course in bioethics: Training for real-world dilemmas ROBIN LENNON-DEARING 1 , LOIS W. LOWRY 2 , CALVIN W. ROSS 3 ,& ALLEN R. DYER 4 1 Department of Social Work, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, 2 Department of Family and Community Nursing, College of Nursing, East Tennessee State University, 3 Pastoral Care Department, Mountain States Health Alliance, and 4 Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Tennessee, USA Abstract Future health professionals are often educated with other students of their same discipline when, in practice, they will be working with professionals from other backgrounds to provide care for the patient. Complex issues of ethical concern are common to health professionals due to modern technology. This paper describes the evolution of an interprofessional bioethics course that had a unique combination of students and faculty. Innovative teaching methods were utilized and continuously refined based on student evaluations. Students commonly cited the interprofessional interactions as the most enjoyable part of the learning experience. Establishing a patient-centered focus and an appreciation of the contributions of other disciplines, students learned how to apply ethical decision-making to real cases. At the conclusion of the course, students reported improved attitudes toward interprofessional teamwork. This course format and teaching techniques may be applied at other universities looking for linkages to encourage consistent interprofessional collaboration across disciplines. Keywords: Bioethics, interprofessional, curriculum, health care teams Introduction The goal for all healthcare professions is optimal care for all patients, yet professional education is traditionally conducted in ‘‘silos’’ that focus on discipline specific content. Upon entry into employment in healthcare organizations, professionals will be collaborating with each other. Thus, interprofessional education has been recommended by professional organizations and government task forces as a means to foster collaboration and serve patients more effectively and efficiently (Bellack & O’Neil, 2000; Institute of Medicine, 2003; Panel on Interdisciplinary or Transdisciplinary Education, 1998). Interprofessional Correspondence: Robin Lennon-Dearing, PhD, MSW, Assistant Professor; Department of Social Work, East Tennessee State University, PO Box 70645, Johnson City, Tennessee 37614, USA. Tel: þ1 423 439 6019. E-mail: lennon@etsu.edu Journal of Interprofessional Care, November 2009; 23(6): 574–585 ISSN 1356-1820 print/ISSN 1469-9567 online Ó 2009 Informa UK Ltd. DOI: 10.3109/13561820902921621