About the NIHC
Founded in 2014, the Northwest Interprofessional Health Collaborative (NIHC, formerly the YVIPEC), hosted at PNWU, is a multi-institutional collaborative that provides interprofessional education, faculty professional development, and community service & engagement to advance team-based care and improve community health. Interprofessional education (IPE), as defined by the World Health Organization, occurs when “students from two or more professions learn about, from, and with each other to enable effective collaboration and improve health outcomes.” Interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) is an extension of that concept into the clinical realm where “multiple health workers from different professional backgrounds work together with patients, families, caregivers, and communities to deliver the highest quality of care.” As defined by the National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education, IPE now refers to interprofessional practice and education, emphasizing the critical connection between the two concepts.
NIHC Faculty & Staff
Keith A. Monosky, PhD
Director of Interprofessional Practice & Education
Dr. Monosky serves as the interim Director of IPE for the Northwest Interprofessional Health Collaborative and Family Medicine Professor at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences. His qualifications include a PhD in Health Policy from The George Washington University, a master’s degree in Public Management of Health Systems from Carnegie-Mellon University, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of Pittsburgh. With over 50 years of experience in Emergency Medical Services and Paramedicine, Dr. Monosky has held various positions, including Program Director of the EMS Paramedicine Program at Central Washington University. His extensive background also includes roles as Director of Operations for a large for-profit EMS agency, EMS Specialist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and Research Coordinator at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Monosky’s contributions extend beyond clinical practice, as he has been involved in regional, state, and national committees and organizations, including the National EMS Advisory Council. His written work covers topics related to EMS and Paramedicine
Jennifer M. Garehime, BS
Director of NIHC – Operations
Ms. Garehime holds a BS in Business with specialization in Management & Leadership from Capella University and an Associate of Arts and Science degree in Radiologic Technology from Yakima Valley College. Before joining PNWU, Ms. Garehime served as the onsite radiographer and clinic manager for multiple clinics within the Yakima Memorial Health Network. Her journey with PNWU began in 2015 when she assumed
the role of Regional Site Administrator for the College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Clinical Education Department. In 2021, she transitioned into the role of program manager for the NIHC, and in 2024 as the Director of NIHC-Operations, and has been instrumental in supporting the collaborative’s initiatives, contributing to curriculum development, fostering student engagement, and expanding community outreach. With over 18 years of experience in healthcare management, administration, and health sciences education, Ms. Garehime is a dedicated professional committed to advancing IPE through her multifaceted expertise.
NIHC Pages
NIHC Home
NIHC Mission, Vision, and Values
NIHC Strategic Priorities
NIHC Partners
NIHC Culinary Medicine Program
IPE Accreditation Standards
IPE Calendar
IPE Curriculum
IPE Faculty & Preceptor Development
IPE Service & Recognition Awards
IPE Tools & Resources
IPE Video Library
Contact Information
Keith A. Monosky, PhD
Director of IPE
Email:kmonosky@pnwu.edu
Jennifer M. Garehime, BS
Director of NIHC – Operations
Email: jgarehime@pnwu.edu