WASHINGTON – Howard University has built a new $5 million virtual medical training facility to advance the education of future doctors and healthcare professionals. The center provides students with risk-free, hands-on hospital experience using cutting-edge technology.
“This interdisciplinary Health Sciences Simulation Center will enhance our training of the next generation of America’s physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals,” said Wayne A.I. Frederick, Interim President of Howard University. “The Center is a part of our long-standing commitment to excellence and meeting the health needs of the nation.”
The simulation center, a 6,000-square-foot facility, is a simulated hospital environment that will promote improved communication skills between healthcare workers and their patients. It represents the latest major investment by Howard University in capital projects that extend its leadership in advanced scientific education. When the Simulation Center opens its doors this month, it will serve as an integral part of training for more than 800 health science students on campus. Howard University Health Sciences is home to more than 20 academic programs, including medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, and physical and occupational therapy.
“The center was specifically designed to promote inter-professional simulation-based education for all levels of healthcare professionals using the latest technology and equipment,” said Dr. Debra Ford, Medical Director of the Simulation Center. “This high-tech educational space affords our students the opportunity for deliberate practice in a team-based environment and aids in continuing Howard University’s legacy of producing compassionate and caring global healthcare professionals.”
The new facility houses five high-tech human patient simulators that generate pulses and other vital signs. The physical space consists of an operating room, an intensive care/emergency room and a task training/surgical skills suite. Students will be able to practice medical procedures and experience the type of real-world decision-making challenges generally reserved for interns, residents and fully trained health professionals.
The Simulation Center will complement the Clinical Skills Center, which provides an opportunity for medical, nursing, pharmacy and allied health students, residents training at Howard University Hospital and medical fellows to practice treating patients in a controlled environment. The 5,000-square-foot facility includes 10 patient examination rooms, an observation room, a master control room, a conference room and a break area. The examination rooms are fully equipped to simulate a doctor’s office. They also have cameras and a microphone to record interactions for later review by students and professors. The observation room allows faculty to watch students and provide immediate feedback. Tamara Owens is the administrative director of both the Clinical Skills and Simulation Centers.
