The Health Sciences Students' Association (HSSA)

I-PASS 2009: Health sciences students discuss a complex patient scenario in the Health Care Team Challenge.

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 (senior and junior reps)

• Dentistry - position available
• Medicine - Shandy Fox, Emily Sullivan
• Nursing - Michelle Webb
• Nutrition - Erin Bowers
• Pharmacy - Alyn Stavness
• Physical Therapy - Stephanie Coons
• Veterinary Medicine - Ashlee Albright & Jenesa Friesen

Executive positions available include:
- junior reps for nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, and veterinary medicine, and
- junior & senior reps from dentistry

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. For more information on the NaHSSA click here.

Contact us:
HSSA
B526 Health Sciences Building
Saskatoon, SK     S7N 5L5
Email: uofs.hssa@hotmail.com