Reflection, IST 585

Interdisciplinary work involves blending knowledge in different areas to attain a goal. It may involve professionals working together on a project or it may involve institutions collaborating for a common objective. As I begin this process with IST 585, I am hopeful that my experience in interdisciplinary work will be a resourceful use of higher educational courses across different colleges to develop a health and wellness program for performing artists. The courses I will choose will provide instruction in the areas needed to create the design of a performing arts medicine program for the artists at Northern Kentucky University. Coursework will include a grant writing course, health education courses, injury prevention, strength and conditioning courses, an educational leadership course and a mindful helping professional course. As a performing arts athletic trainer, I have spent many years working with professional and pre-professional dancers because they are in need of health and wellness resources. The program I am interested in creating is an interdisciplinary project in itself. Resources will used from the athletic training education department, health, counseling and student wellness as well as St. Elizabeth Hospital. The future looks bright; I am looking forward to developing this program for the student performing artists here at Northern Kentucky University. There will be barriers, but I have a lot of experience dealing with barriers. People don't understand what goes into making a professional dancer, particularly when it comes to orthopedic injuries and emotional wellness. So, I am sure there will be a lot of education along the way. Professors, administrative leaders and to some degree the performing artist students themselves will need education on the benefits of providing performing arts specific care. I am excited to work on my masters in integrated studies. What better way to combine the arts and sciences as integrated studies?