Clinical nutrition and social work students at University of the Pacific came together at the Sacramento Campus Community Garden for an interprofessional learning activity focused on holistic care.

Working through case studies centered on refugee communities from Ukraine, Syria and Afghanistan, students explored how nutrition, mental health, culture and access to resources intersect to shape health outcomes. 

“We are collaborating to learn about herbs, plants and vegetables that can be incorporated into the diets of refugee communities in the Sacramento area,” said Professor Nurit Fischer-Shemer, coordinator for interprofessional education. 

During the session student groups explored the garden, learned more about its role as a community resource and created posters integrating both social work and clinical nutrition perspectives. Students also completed individual reflections about the experience.

The activity helped students learn from one another and better understand the value of collaborative, community-centered care.

“Hands-on experience like this awakens other senses. You get to put your hands on things, see things, hear things, smell things. It imprints much larger on you,” said Master of Social Work student Ian Clark ’26.