Explore Simulation, Innovation, and Clinical Skills
Students will learn the skills they need to succeed in medicine in the Clinical Skills Center and Simulation Center, with the opportunity to explore hands-on innovation in the Makerspace. Dr. Kevin Kunkler, MD, MS, serves as Professor and Associate Dean for Simulation, Innovation, and Clinical Skills.
Simulation
AWSOM's Simulation Center is an 8,800-square-foot learning environment with four flexibly configured simulation suites equipped with audio-video recording and one-way mirrored control rooms. Nearby are four debriefing classrooms for after-action reflection, hands-on integrated active learning, and student interest group activities. The debriefing space has three dividers allowing configuration as one large room or a combination of smaller rooms.
Medical Simulation
Medical simulation is a training and education method that replicates authentic clinical scenarios using standardized patients, manikins, virtual reality, computer models, and more. It allows medical students to practice history-taking, physical examination, procedural skills, and clinical reasoning and teamwork in an immersive, controlled environment without risking harm to clinical patients.
Students will practice common medical tasks using an array of educational technologies including:
Standard surgical scrub sinks
Surgical boom arms and operation room lighting
Full-body manikins
ICU monitors
Medical records and other simulated systems are for hospital and urgent care training
Part-task trainers and medical supplies for specific technical procedural skills
Virtual/mixed reality headsets are to visualize human anatomy and radiological imaging
Software programs for real-time display of anatomical concepts such as physiology
Medical moulage to enhance engagement and realism
Many of these technologies are mobile and can be used anywhere in the building to support integrated learning opportunities.
Meet the Team
Sylvia Merino, MBA, MPH Instructor and Director, Simulation
Caleb Lewis, MSM, CRT, CHSOS Extended Reality Simulation Specialist
Emily Simpson, MA Extended Reality Simulation Specialist
Clinical Skills
The Clinical Skills Center is a 16,900-square-foot educational facility designed to provide medical students with hands-on, faculty-supervised training in clinical skills. Working alongside standardized patients, individuals trained to portray clinical patients, students develop essential patient-centered communication, history-taking, physical examination, and clinical reasoning skills in a safe and supportive learning environment.
Meet the Team
Ayleen Godreau, MD, MPH Associate Professor and Director, Clinical Skills
Christina Harris, MPM Clinical Skills Operations Manager
Amanda Johnson, MA, MEd Standardized Patient Program Manager
Makerspace
The Makerspace invites students to work creatively with cutting-edge technology. As part of the School’s commitment to research and innovation, this space is a hands-on lab where students can design, prototype, and test concepts on printed models. Through this, students build skillsets that enable them to rapidly prototype concepts or components for educational projects that enhance their learning for future clinical research and translation positions. Students can learn 3D modeling software and printing in a dedicated space that provides fused deposition modeling (FDM) and PolyJet printers for varied applications. Post-printing production tools, equipment, and technical support are also available.
The Makerspace includes:
Computer stations with software for model creation
FDM 3D printers (Prusa Core One)
PolyJet 3D printers (StrataSys J5)
UV curing station