The University of Michigan has officially opened a second Clinical Simulation Center location more than doubling the number of physicians, nurses and students who will be able to practice their skills in a state-of-the-art learning environment. The new 7,500 square foot space, located in Med Sci II, allows current and future health care professionals a chance to prepare for real world scenarios and rehearse new medical procedures in a high-impact and low-risk clinical setting.

“We are giving our trainees a wonderful gift: the opportunity to practice, ask questions and fully develop skills in a safe environment,” says Carol R. Bradford, M.D., executive vice dean for Academic Affairs. “This center will greatly benefit our program, our learners and our patients.”

The Simulation Center, which is accredited by the American College of Surgeons as a Comprehensive Education Institute, is equipped with a host of hi-fidelity adult, child and obstetric manikins with lifelike capabilities. They are designed to cry, blink, talk and breathe, have full heart and lung sounds, EKG tracings and respond to a host of medical interventions. 

In addition to computer-based simulation modules that guide learners through practice exams, there are five inpatient rooms that replicate rooms in University Hospital, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital. Everything is operated from an adjacent control room where staff members control the manikin and the environment in the room.  Various manikins provide opportunities to practice and perfect different skills, from chest compressions and defibrillation to assisting with birthing an actual manikin baby.

James Cooke, executive director of the Clinical Simulation Center and Assistant Professor of learning health sciences and of family medicine, is a staunch champion of simulation training.

“Investing in the expansion of the Clinical Simulation Center shows our commitment to ensuring that the next generation of health care leaders, scholars, and practitioners are fully prepared for the future challenges in national and global health care,” he said. “This exciting venture will help us maintain our status as one of the top academic medical centers in the country.”

Cooke says two of the most significant benefits of simulation are the opportunity for interdisciplinary teams to practice together and the regular feedback it affords learners.

“Debriefing allows learners to reflect on and discuss their medical decisions, and allows expert facilitators to guide teams to improve communication, efficiency and overall performance.  Intentional and well-designed practice leads to better outcomes,” Cooke said.