Share on Twitter Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on LinkedIn Bringing Learning to Life Providing a hands-on learning environment to help prepare tomorrow’s healthcare providers — that’s the vision behind Jackson College’s new medical simulation center, currently under renovation. Jackson College plays a vital role in educating many of the region’s nurses, sonographers, radiographers, surgical technicians, respiratory therapists, dental hygienists, EMS personnel, and medical assistants. hands-on learning Located in a renovated portion of Justin Whiting Hall, this area has housed the Rawal Center for Health Professions since renovations in 2008, which was made possible thanks to a generous $1 million gift by local neurosurgeon and family, Dr. Harish and Sudha Rawal. Development of the simulation center is a logical and exciting next step in healthcare education designed to replicate real-life medical environments and better prepare students. With today’s advanced simulation technology, students can practice techniques in a controlled setting, gaining crucial experience long before they care for real patients. “Simulation is a growing field in healthcare, and its importance is becoming more widely recognized,” said Sarah Case, a physician assistant who is JC’s simulation coordinator and instructor. “This is where we want students to make mistakes — because they’ll never forget them. When they care for real patients, they’ll already have the skills and confidence they need.” MASTERING FULL-SPECTRUM CARE The new center will feature seven high-fidelity manikins — sophisticated electronic devices programmable by faculty to simulate various scenarios. These allow students to practice hands-on clinical skills and navigate emotionally challenging situations. For example, one recent nursing simulation focused on death and dying and involved guiding a patient from diagnosis through treatment to end-of-life care. Another featured a teen presenting with suicidal thoughts. “The emotional impact is real,” Case said. “There were a lot of tears during the death and dying scenario — and it was just a manikin that passed! But students learn how to manage those situations, what precautions to take and what to avoid.” “This is where we want students to make mistakes — because they’ll never forget them. When they care for real patients, they’ll already have the skillsand confidence they need.” Sarah CaseSimulation and Innovation Center Coordinator & Instructor realistic design To support this immersive learning, the renovated space will include a central collaboration hub and four patient “bays.” The layout features areas simulating a medical office, ICU step-down rooms,a birthing suite, an emergency and trauma room,a fully equipped operating room with a pre-op area, and even an ambulance corridor for EMS training. Additional storage and workspaces will be available to support faculty and students. To enhance familiarity with real-world settings, the center’s design and color scheme reflect the look of Henry Ford Jackson Hospital — helping students feel more at home when they enter the workforce. “I think the realism will be the most important factor,” said Case. “Students will take everything they’ve learned in the classroom, come into this space, and act as if they’re treating a real patient. They’ll use their skills and critical thinking to build confidence and competence.” This innovative project is made possible by a generous $1.5 million grant from Alro Steel and the Alvin Glick Foundation. This donation helps establish a realistic, team-oriented medical training environment that truly brings learning to life.
