Greetings!

As we approach Healthcare Simulation Week, September 16th to 20th, I want to take a moment to reflect on the immense value that simulation-based education and training brings to healthcare. This week is not only an opportunity to celebrate the growth of this transformative field but also to recognize the essential role it plays in shaping the future of healthcare delivery.

Simulation is a critical component of workforce development for healthcare professionals, providing them with a safe and immersive environment to hone their clinical skills. It is equally vital for medical residents and advanced practice providers, allowing them to practice complex procedures and patient interactions without risk to real patients. In the realm of interprofessional education, simulation promotes collaboration among diverse healthcare teams, reinforcing the importance of teamwork in providing the best possible patient care. Above all, simulation-based training enhances patient safety by helping healthcare professionals prepare for real-world challenges before they encounter them in practice.

At USF Health CAMLS, we are fortunate to work with cutting-edge simulation technologies, including extended reality (XR), haptics, and artificial intelligence (AI). These innovations not only enhance the educational experiences of our learners but also open new frontiers in clinical research and applications. The ability to simulate real-world scenarios with such accuracy and detail is revolutionizing both education and healthcare practice, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in both fields.

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to recognize the tireless work of past, present, and future simulationists. Their dedication to advancing patient safety, workforce development, teamwork, and research continues to drive the evolution of healthcare education and practice. The impact of their contributions is profound, and their work will undoubtedly shape the future of medicine.

I look forward to celebrating Healthcare Simulation Week with all of you, and I encourage everyone to participate in the events and activities planned for this special week.

Sincerely,

Haru Okuda, MD, FACEP, FSSH

Executive Director, USF Health CAMLS

Simulation & Beyond:

CAMLS Educational Updates

Did you know that CAMLS offers custom training solutions? The CAMLS educational development team plays a crucial role in supporting organizations by identifying and addressing gaps in skills, knowledge, and performance. Through a collaborative approach, the team works closely with stakeholders to conduct thorough needs assessments, pinpoint areas where training and development are needed, and design targeted educational programs. These programs are customized to align with the organization's goals, ensuring they effectively bridge gaps in clinical skills, interprofessional collaboration, and overall performance. By utilizing evidence-based methodologies and leveraging industry best practices, the team helps organizations enhance their workforce capabilities, improve patient outcomes, and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement. 

A great example of these efforts is already underway with the Women's Care APP University program. This comprehensive, hands-on training initiative for advanced practice providers is designed to develop and refine clinical skills through practical and simulation-based training, ultimately advancing participants' careers with specialized expertise in women’s health. Developed in collaboration with Women’s Care, this six-month program equips participants with extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in both obstetric and gynecologic care, guided by seasoned professionals and subject matter experts. We’re proud to offer this transformative program and thrilled to see dedicated professionals from across Florida come together to elevate the standard of women's care!

In July, our team travelled to the University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center - UVI MSC, where we had the privilege of teaching CAMLS’ Simulation Facilitator Training Course. Over a period of 4 days we covered the essentials of experiential learning and simulation training, including simulation operation, moulage, exploring different simulation modalities and developing structured scenarios. We also focused on advanced debriefing techniques, effective feedback strategies, and methods to create a positive learning environment. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the UVI team and empower them to enhance their simulation training capabilities. Our goal is to continue to offer this course to the simulation community as well as translate the course to Spanish as a way to further advance simulation education both locally and abroad. 

Community Activity

In July, CAMLS proudly partnered with Tampa Bay Wave to host the 2024 HealthTech Accelerator reception, bringing together visionary leaders and innovators from the healthcare technology sector. 

Building on this momentum, in September, Tampa Bay Wave 2024 HealthTech|X Pitch Night set the stage at CAMLS for emerging startups to present their groundbreaking ideas to industry experts. These events underscore our commitment to supporting and advancing healthcare innovation in our community. We are proud to collaborate with Tampa Bay Wave and look forward to continuing our partnership to drive impactful change in the healthcare industry.

Future healthcare professionals from the B.E.S.T. Academy (Brain Expansions Scholastic Training), explored career opportunities in the world of healthcare simulation. With testimony about their career paths, our CAMLS team members shared relatable stories. The students learned about the field of research in medical education related to AI, AR, and VR. They experienced hands-on activities with high fidelity manikins for practicing CPR skills, and even took an extensive peek “under the hoods” to learn the technology/mechanics involved. Their day at CAMLS provided new perspectives and career possibilities to consider in healthcare simulation.

Team Member Spotlight: Gene Lunney

Gene has been an integral part of the CAMLS team since we first opened our doors in 2012. As our AV Engineer, Gene brings a deep understanding of our audiovisual systems, ensuring that every piece of equipment operates flawlessly. His technical expertise, combined with a natural talent for problem-solving, has been crucial in delivering the seamless and immersive simulation experiences for which CAMLS is known. Gene's meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to excellence have made him an indispensable asset, whether he's setting up complex AV systems for high-stakes simulations or providing support during large-scale events. His ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly has consistently contributed to the success of our programs. Gene is not only valued for his technical skills but also for his collaborative spirit and dedication to the team. We are incredibly fortunate to have Gene, whose long-standing commitment to CAMLS continues to elevate the quality of our educational offerings.