Johnny joined the Center for Interprofessional Education in October 2024.
In this interview, Johnny shares his journey to C-IPE, his passion for collaborative healthcare, and his vision for amplifying the center’s impact on health education and equity.
1. Can you share a personal experience that shaped your interest in collaborative health care?
My passion for collaborative health care stems from a broader commitment to the power of education and shared knowledge. Before joining the Center for Interprofessional Education, I worked in public media, where I was deeply involved in connecting a wide range of communities with educational information. Not only did we do that through powerful documentaries and engaging Q&As, but also through initiatives like our family reading kit giveaways and free-to-use digital learning tools. That experience taught me the importance of breaking down barriers to foster knowledge and collaboration, which directly relates to the principles of interprofessional education.
On a personal level, as someone who will be on the receiving end of health care throughout my life, I’ve already seen how crucial it is for health professionals to understand more than just their individual fields. When care teams communicate and collaborate effectively, it profoundly impacts patient outcomes and experiences.
2. What drew you to the University of Michigan and C-IPE?
The University of Michigan is a leader in innovation and excellence, and C-IPE exemplifies that by actively reshaping the future of health care education. I was drawn to C-IPE because of its mission to not only prepare health professionals for team-based care but also to create a more equitable and empathetic health care system. The opportunity to contribute to amplifying the incredible work being done here was both exciting and deeply meaningful to me.
Michigan’s collaborative culture and dedication to building connections across disciplines resonates deeply with my values. Being a part of C-IPE allows me to contribute to something bigger than myself: ensuring that students across health professions can work together effectively to provide the highest standard of care.
3. How would you describe your role within the C-IPE team?
As the marketing and communications specialist, my role is to increase the visibility of C-IPE’s groundbreaking work both within the university and on a national scale. This means telling the stories of our students, faculty, practitioners, and partners in a way that highlights their dedication to interprofessional collaboration and health equity.
I focus on crafting engaging content, developing strategic communication plans, and building platforms that showcase the innovation within C-IPE. Whether it’s through social media campaigns, newsletters, or articles, my goal is to connect and inspire, ensuring that the value of interprofessional education resonates with a wide audience.
4. What are your goals for C-IPE’s future, and how do you hope to contribute to achieving them?
My primary goal is to amplify C-IPE’s presence and solidify its reputation as a national leader in interprofessional education. I want to ensure that the groundbreaking work being done here reaches not just the university community but also a wider audience in health care and education sectors.
Additionally, I hope to help foster a stronger sense of connection and collaboration among students across units and disciplines. By shining a light on their achievements and providing opportunities to engage with one another, I want to help prepare them to excel as future health professionals who value teamwork and communication.
Through strategic storytelling and innovative communication approaches, I aim to make C-IPE’s work more accessible and impactful, ultimately supporting its mission to transform health care education and implementation.
5. What do you like to do for fun outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, attending concerts, running, cooking, and going to the movies. Some of my favorite memories include seeing my favorite musicians live, from bands like Arctic Monkeys and Vampire Weekend to artists like Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift.
Running is a passion of mine because it allows me to decompress, enjoy nature, and continually improve. In 2023, I ran my first half-marathon from Detroit to Windsor and back. Since then, I’ve completed two more half-marathons, improving my time along the way.
6. What is your favorite spot in Ann Arbor?
There are too many favorite spots to count! My favorite spots to eat in Ann Arbor are Frita Batidos, Zingerman’s (I could eat order #74 every day for the rest of my life), Palio, and Grizzly Peak Brewing Company. The title of “best latte in the city” has to go to RoosRoast in my book. Their salted maple latte is as good as it gets! Lastly, I love shopping at the Kerrytown Market and really enjoy exploring the Nichols Arboretum when the weather is nice.