While the Surgical Simulation and Demonstration Area seemed space age when it was first introduced, today it is setting the standard for education in the healthcare professions. The Simulation Center (SimCenter) provides state-of-the art human patient simulators and human models to provide hands-on practice of essential skills, procedures and critical care training. A longitudinal curriculum for first-year medical students through senior residents guides trainees through progressively more complex skills and scenarios, preparing them for increasing patient care responsibilities.

Based on the concept of simulation that allows pilots to practice flying without ever leaving the ground, the Simulation Center uses virtual reality and two full-scale “mock” operating rooms to create highly realistic scenarios for procedural training. Each room can be configured to match the conditions of an operating room, emergency room or intensive care unit. In addition, a highly sophisticated computer-controlled mannequin is used to practice such techniques as airway management, emergency resuscitations, trauma care, obstetric management and teamwork skills.

This human patient simulator can be programmed with patient characteristics, such as age and anatomy. The simulator can also mimic physiological conditions, such as pulse and other vital signs, and disease processes, and vital signs can be manipulated to respond appropriately to various drugs and interventions. In the adjacent control room, instructors, through headsets and video monitoring, can communicate with and observe their students.

Medical students are the primary beneficiaries of this advanced technology; however, special educational opportunities exist for GW residents and medical professionals not affiliated with GW as well.

Dr. Claudia Ranniger, the medical director for the Simulation Center, is available to develop simulation scenarios and curricula to meet specific departmental needs.