Two medical simulation units for the Gannon University health care training lab were the result of a substantial and unstinting gift from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Gannon University received $50,000 from LECOM to purchase two new medical simulation devices. The special and lasting bond shared by Gannon University and LECOM recognizes them as leaders in first-rate and innovative education. As such, the two schools consistently work collaboratively to enhance the medical training available to local and regional health care providers. The recent gift from LECOM to Gannon has allowed the University to add the TraumaMan and MicroMaxx Ultrasound systems to its Patient Simulation Center. TraumaMan is a simulated human torso form designed to allow students to practice a number of advanced medical procedures, including central line insertion and chest tube placement. TraumaMan is equipped with four surgical “zones” and it is designed as a better and more practical alternative to training students by using cadavers or other models. In addition to central line insertion and chest tube placement/ insertion, other surgical procedures and skills that can be practiced with TraumaMan, include diagnostic peritoneal lavage, pericardiocentesis, cricothyroidotomy, percutaneous tracheostomy, needle decompression, intravenous cutdown, and bowel anastomosis. The MicroMaxx Ultrasound System provides quality imaging for ease and accuracy for central line placement. Both systems greatly enhance the Gannon Simulation Center. Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs of Gannon University, Dr. Carolynn Masters expressed her delight with the equipment. “Gannon University is very grateful to LECOM for its generosity and for its support of the Patient Simulation Center” stated Dr. Masters. She especially noted that the gift will be instrumental in aiding Gannon in the advancement of the strategic goal of the Simulation Center by offering educational outreach options coupled with providing an increased level of medical education to a broader audience. The Millcreek Community Hospital residents are already using the equipment. Recently,
a class of Internal Medicine residents from Millcreek Community Hospital spent a day at the Simulation Center perfecting their skills with the help of TraumaMan. Prior to their visit, Gannon Health Professions and Sciences faculty worked collectively with faculty from LECOM to design a training program for the residents and for LECOM Primary Care Scholars Pathway Students – one of two, three-year doctor of osteopathic medicine degree programs offered at LECOM. LECOM made the decision to support the Simulation Center after observing the clear advantages of training physicians who will be using the skills garnered through this program to teach LECOM medical students. “Simulation Center training is on the cutting edge of medical education,” explained Silvia M. Ferretti, DO, Provost, Senior Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs at LECOM. “Residents find the hands-on training essential for practicing procedures that can only be learned by repetition. Learning with these manikins develops muscle memory so that when the physician has a real patient, the procedure takes place naturally and safely.” Ultimately, the program will involve interprofessional training of LECOM medical students who will work alongside Gannon nursing and physician assistant students in patient simulations training; a practice that is intended to replicate the way in which physicians, nurses, and medical professionals interact as a health care team in a hospital or clinic setting. Dr. Masters displayed eager optimism at the idea of the Simulation Center offering training to resident physicians from Millcreek Community and from other health care providers. LECOM and Gannon University share a strong educational partnership and that includes offering a world-class Simulation Center that serves both as an asset to the community and to our students. As LECOM travels along its incontrovertible path to excellence, it is clear that joint alliances such as the one shared with Gannon will forge the educational innovations and the superlatively trained medical professionals of the 21st century. lecom.edu | winter 2013 | lecom connection 9