Disaster Day Interprofessional Simulation: A Special Report on an IPE Disaster Day Event Simulation Analysis at Florida Gulf Coast University
13 November 2025
Eastern 10.00; UTC 15.00; CET 16.00
Presenters
- Joseph Buhain, Florida Gulf Coast University
- Elizabeth Swann, Nova Southeastern University
- Diania Tsenkos, Florida Gulf Coast University
Moderator
Susanne Lindqvist, CAIPE UK
Description
Disaster Day at Florida Gulf Coast University is a large-scale interprofessional education (IPE) simulation that immerses healthcare students, faculty, and community partners in a realistic mass casualty and disaster response scenario. The event emphasizes teamwork, communication, and systems-based practice by engaging multiple disciplines in managing triage, patient stabilization, and resource allocation under crisis conditions. Guided by subject matter experts, learners apply critical thinking while practicing role clarity, leadership, and collaboration consistent with IPEC core competencies. Designed to mirror real-world emergency challenges, Disaster Day enhances preparedness, strengthens interprofessional relationships, and fosters confidence in coordinated responses to complex medical and public health crises.
Abstract
Disaster Day is an immersive interprofessional education (IPE) simulation designed to prepare future healthcare professionals and community partners for effective collaboration in large-scale emergency response. This high-impact event brings together students, faculty, and subject matter experts from multiple disciplines to engage in a realistic mass casualty and disaster scenario.
The primary aim is to foster teamwork, communication, and role clarity across professions while aligning with the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) core competencies. By engaging participants in a simulated disaster environment, learners are challenged to apply critical thinking, prioritize patient care, and coordinate resources under pressure.
The program highlights not only the importance of clinical decision-making but also leadership, systems thinking, and resilience during crises. Evaluation of the event has shown positive outcomes in learner confidence, interprofessional collaboration, and preparedness for real-world emergencies.
Presenters
Dr. Joseph Buhain is an accomplished educator, leader, and clinician with over 30 years of experience in respiratory therapy, healthcare simulation, and interprofessional education. A U.S. Army and Navy veteran, he has dedicated his career to advancing patient care, training future healthcare professionals, and serving the military and veteran community.
Currently serving as Director of Interprofessional Education and Simulation at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), Dr. Buhain leads initiatives that bring together diverse health professions to strengthen collaboration, clinical readiness, and patient safety. He previously served as Program Director of Respiratory Therapy at Saint Paul College and has held leadership roles nationally within respiratory care education and professional organizations.
Dr. Buhain is a Fellow of the American Association for Respiratory Care (FAARC) and a nationally recognized speaker, author, and consultant. He has published extensively on topics including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, critical care, and the integration of simulation in health sciences education. His contributions have earned him multiple awards, including the Bronze Star for his distinguished military service.
Guided by faith and a passion for teaching, Dr. Buhain continues to mentor the next generation of healthcare professionals while advocating for innovation, excellence, and service.
Email: jbuhain@fgcu.edu
Dr. Elizabeth Swann is a distinguished Professor and the Founding Director of the Center for Advancing Collaborative Healthcare (CACH) at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She serves as Chair of the Florida Interprofessional Education (IPE) Consortium, a statewide collaborative network of academic institutions and healthcare organizations dedicated to advancing interprofessional education and practice. In this role, Dr. Swann leads strategic initiatives that foster faculty development, statewide programming, and inter-institutional partnerships to promote team-based care and improve health outcomes across Florida. In 2025, Dr. Swann was also appointed Chair of the ASAHP Interprofessional Committee, where she contributes to national efforts to integrate collaborative practice into health professions education.
At NSU, Dr. Swann directs interprofessional initiatives across 12 Colleges and 70 NSU Health Clinics, ensuring alignment with accreditation standards and promoting excellence in collaborative care. As a Master Trainer in TeamSTEPPS©️, she brings advanced expertise in enhancing communication, teamwork, and patient safety.
With over two decades of leadership, Dr. Swann is recognized for her scholarly contributions and community engagement. She chaired the highly successful virtual IPE Day 2024, which united 2,000 students and 120 facilitators across nine campuses. Her work continues to shape the future of interprofessional education through innovative simulation, curriculum design, and statewide leadership.
Email: swann@nova.edu