Impact in Education: Elizabeth Beam, Ph.D.

Elizabeth Beam, Ph.D., is one of the recipients of an Office of Academic Affairs 2018-19 Impact in Education Award. She will receive the Interprofessional Education Scholar Award.

• Name: Elizabeth Beam, Ph.D.
• Title: Assistant professor, UNMC College of Nursing
• Joined UNMC: 2005
• Hometown: Omaha

You are the recipient of the Interprofessional Education Scholar Award. Why is interprofessional education important in today’s health care fields?
Interprofessional education engages students in communication and teaching moments that don’t occur when we only focus on our own discipline. Teamwork is essential in the complex health care system of today. Students should emerge from their educational preparation ready to provide care to patients with a high functioning health care team. Our patients deserve that kind of care.

Describe your proudest moment as an educator.
My proudest moment as an educator came this past year working with the United States Air Force on infection control protocols and training for providing care in flight. In creating the training, we dialogued about the different missions and challenges they face every day. It was an honor to work with such an elite team of men and women who serve our nation.

What advice would you give other faculty members who want to have an impact in education?
Take advantage of the rich resources at UNMC to change the face of education. With so many existing resources such as the library, eLearning, faculty development and research offices, as well as the new opportunities coming on line as the iEXCEL program launches its new education space, the avenues for interesting projects at UNMC will only grow.

Do you have a favorite quote or philosophy on teaching?
“What you do for yourself dies with you when you leave this world, what you do for others lives on forever.”

-Sir Ken Robinson, “The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything”