Educational Resources > The Health Sciences Students' Association (HSSA)

The Health Sciences Students' Association (HSSA)

I-PASS

The HSSA strives to support and promote interprofessional opportunities, both academic and social, for health sciences students from all health disciplines and to facilitate the development of team-based collaborative practice by fostering respect and recognition for the roles that other health disciplines play in providing patient-centred care.

As student leaders of interprofessional (IP) development, the HSSA:

provides and promotes social interaction between students of the health sciences colleges,
provides and promotes learning opportunities for students that will prepare them for their future roles in interprofessional practice,
fosters respect and recognition for the roles that other disciplines play in the health system,
facilitates communication between health sciences students, student groups, student societies, and faculty members, and
works in synergy with students, faculty and community members in promoting common goals.

The Health Sciences Students Association first got their start back in 1979 and were then known as MUMPS, which stands for the Medically United Meeting Place for Students. In 2007, the student group changed their name to the HSSA and became a chapter of the National Health Sciences Students' Association (NaHSSA). Since then, two members of the U of S HSSA have participated in the NaHSSA Board of Directors and one has joined its Student-to-Clinician Task Force. The HSSA is one of the most dynamic and innovative chapters in the country that engages student leaders and professional mentors to bring interprofessional opportunities to students.

The HSSA's biggest achievement is the organization of I-PASS; an interprofessional symposium for all first-year health sciences students in Saskatoon. It is here that students are introduced to learning with and about each other.

The HSSA also serves as the "go to" hub for information on student-led interprofessional initiatives or interest groups based at the U of S. These range from urban to rural and from public health to geriatrics.

HSSA Executive 2012-13:

President - Tamara Webster - Medicine Senior Rep
VP Internal - Michelle Turcotte - Nutrition Senior Rep
VP External - Alanna Hoesgen - Pharmacy Member at Large
VP Academic - Leila Kleemola - Veterinary Medicine Senior Rep
VP Finance - Kris Marshall - Dentistry Senior Rep
VP Social Affairs - Nicole Peters - Pharmacy Junior Rep & Kristin Zajaczkowski - Veterinary Medicine Junior Rep
VP Communications - Stephanie Weisgerber - Pharmacy Member at Large

HSSA Reps:

Kinesiology - Alexa Morris
Physio Therapy - Beth Backman
Nursing - Nicole Webb & Melissa Marzolf
Public Health - Carl & Mustafa

HSSA Events:

I-PASS

The Inter-Professional Annual Student’s Symposium (known as I-PASS) was held Sept 19, 2012 @ TCU Place. This one day conference welcomed first year health sciences students in Saskatoon to Saskatchewan’s exciting inter-professional health care system. Over 600 students participated in interactive activities and listened to dynamic keynotes and break out session speakers who focussed on a common theme of interprofessionalism.

Medicomania -- Nov 2 & 3, 2012

Medicomania is a two day event that features the talents of students from all health sciences colleges: Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Kinesiology, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Nutrition, Dentistry, Public Health and Nursing. This variety show is always entertaining and is being held at Broadway Theatre November 2 & 3 at 7:30pm. Doors will open at 7:00pm and there is a licensed concession at the venue. Proceeds from ticket sales & raffle will be going to the Irene & Leslie Dube Centre for Mental Health. Come on out to support charity & cheer on your favourite acts!

Malpractice Mixer - January 2013

Building Bridges Interprofessional Forum - March 2013

Watch for more info on these upcoming events!!

National Health Sciences Students' Association (NaHSSA)

This national organization allows students to participate in presentations on student-led IP initiatives from chapters across the country and share experiences on how to generate interest in and support for successful collaborative learning opportunities. Students who are interested in developing leadership skills and gaining experience can get involved by running for a position on the Board of Directors. U of S's own Amber Grunow (Medicine) is now on the executive council. For more information on the NaHSSA click here.

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