Education

Education is the foundation of a skilled, compassionate, and future-ready healthcare workforce. At STARS, our inclusive and innovative approach is transforming how we work—placing individualised, high-quality care at the heart of everything we do. Education is central to this transformation. Together, Metro North Health and The University of Queensland are shaping the next generation of clinicians through pioneering models of interprofessional education. Each year, STARS hosts clinical placements for over 200 students across medicine, nursing, and allied health. Students are valued members of our interprofessional teams, and many choose to begin their careers at STARS after graduation. 20% of STARS clinicians are clinical educators or clinical teaching fellows.

We’re building a dynamic, evolving approach to care—driven by the needs of consumers and clinicians, and aligned with strategic priorities at local, national, and international levels. Our education and research initiatives reflect this commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration.

Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (IPCP) involves health professionals from diverse disciplines working together with patients, families, carers, and communities to deliver comprehensive, person-centred care across settings (WHO, 2010). This approach is strongly endorsed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), which recognises IPCP as a cornerstone of safe and effective healthcare in Australia.

Developing IPCP competencies begins with understanding the unique needs of our teams and the people they care for. At STARS, we take a tailored approach to strengthening these skills through collaborative model-of-care development and initiatives such as:

• ‘Walk In My Shoes’ workshops
• Ward-based delirium education
• New graduate celebrations
• Education expositions that promote cross-disciplinary knowledge sharing

Our structured and supportive placement journey is designed to build IPCP capabilities from day one. Students begin with pre-placement activities, including reflection on IPCP competencies and setting personal goals—supported by an interactive eBook. Orientation sessions and ongoing guidance from Clinical Educators and Clinical Teaching Fellows ensure students engage meaningfully in IPCP opportunities throughout their placement.

A dedicated Student Hub provides a collaborative space for learning, connection, and reflection. The placement experience concludes with a reflective survey, and we continue to enhance the journey by expanding resources and refining feedback tools to ensure a meaningful and enriching experience.

STARS is committed to being a leading centre for research and innovation in interprofessional collaborative practice and education. We support the development of IPCP competencies across our workforce, educators, and students—building a future-ready health system grounded in collaboration, compassion, and excellence.

Support and contacts

• Queensland Health has information for students
• Any queries or issues around students in STARS, educational activities/initiatives should be directed to the STARS Student Development Committee, chaired by Karina O’Leary and Nathan Costin.  Email the committee secretary on STARS_EducationandResearch@health.qld.gov.au
• Undergraduate student placements for Allied Health are managed by the Allied Health Clinical Education Support Officer, email STARS_AHCESO@health.qld.gov.au
• For nursing placements, contact the Nurse Student Educator email STARSNursingClinicalPlacements@health.qld.gov.au
• Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (IPCP) Coordinator Geerthika Galiser works with students and workforce to support the implementation of the STARS IPCP framework and action plan. Email Galister@health.qld.gov.au
• For information about non-clinical placement students, contact the Alliance Manager on sullivan@uq.edu.au or STARS_EducationandResearch@health.qld.gov.au.