VCOM View Magazine Vol. 12 | No. 1

Simulations at the Center

VCOM-Carolinas Simulation Center faculty and staff (clockwise from bottom left: Tom Lindsey, DO, associate dean for Center for Simulation &Technology; Stacey Stokes, clinical procedural skills program manager; Michael Parks, MPA, director for high fidelity manikin based and virtual simulation; TarrazWoodruff, RN, clinical procedural skills program director

different than the medium skin tone or a light skin tone. It’s just going to be a much better trainer that’s not really out there right now.” Further developments in hands on simulation technology include new episiotomy and pelvic trainers and abdominal surgery trainers. 3D printing and scans of real patients are utilized in the process. All along the way, students are involved in the process via an internship program. Sim interns are second-year medical students who spend time in the lab designing, setting up and facilitating various scenarios in those areas, which they and other students use to practice techniques, hone skills and build emotional endurance under pressure.They are recognized at graduation for this work above and beyond their medical school curriculum. “We currently have 16 interns,” Stokes says. “They come on board and they are divided into groups of interest: simulation, clinical procedural skills, standardized patients, and research.

Last year we had 48 applications.” The SimCenter is also equipped with virtual reality and augmented reality technology, which allows students to immerse themselves in realistic medical scenarios to practice procedures and techniques in a simulated environment, without any risk to real patients Additionally, the virtual reality and augmented reality technology can be used to provide interactive learning experiences that can enhance students’ understanding of complex medical concepts. “The next step is virtual reality,” says Dr. Lindsey. The SimCenter is currently developing the use of a 360-degree camera to create proprietary VR.” “Right now, my team is working on a virtual reality headset and we’re evaluating all the different products that are out there,” says Parks. “The products that we’re looking at are expensive,” says Dr. Lindsey. “But if we can use our standardized patients and create our own virtual reality, which is proprietary to us, then

we save the commercial expense.” Dr. Lindsey looks forward to exploring how virtual reality could lead to advancements in pediatrics training. VCOM employs a number of standardized patients, adult actors who role-play complex medical scenarios with students. Since role-playing is a form of training that cannot be applied to the study of pediatrics, Dr. Lindsey hopes that virtual avenues may open such opportunities for medical students. With this in mind, he and his team continue to explore the field of new technologies. The future looks bright for VCOM-Carolinas’ SimCenter. In addition to their innovations in simulation technology and virtual reality, the SimCenter hopes to add a master’s in simulation degree program in the coming years. With its state of-the-art technology and experienced staff, the center provides students with a safe and controlled environment to practice their clinical skills, build their confidence, and prepare for their future careers as healthcare professionals.

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Spring 2023 | VCOM V iew