The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the-art medical simulation center realizing a major objective in its goal to improve medical education and healthcare in the Territory. At the ribbon cutting ceremony on June 29, at the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix, UVI President David Hall urged supporters to “keep breathing life into the vision of enhanced healthcare in the VI.”
“The Medical School and this Simulation Center were not envisioned just so that we could unveil a first class and impressive facility,” said Dr. Hall. “The vision is focused on improving the quality of healthcare for the Virgin Islands and stimulating and diversifying the economy of the Virgin Islands. The existence of this facility will ensure that our local medical practitioners and medical students will receive the most up-to-date training available so that they can serve the people of this territory.”
Simulation is a tool for training and education that allows students to go through clinical experiences safely without putting patients at risk. The modern, 21,920-square-foot Medical Simulation Center features trauma and hybrid operating rooms with 18 surgical skill lab areas. Using virtual reality, life-like mannequins and other technology, students can learn to treat patients for a variety of issues. Simulation labs, trauma moulage and patient exam rooms are also on site. The facility has an auditorium with an atrium, office, and dining hall with catering kitchen.
“We know that medical simulation as an educational methodology has proven benefits, including increased patient safety, better patient outcomes, improved resource and reliability management,” said Medical Simulation Center Executive Director Charlene Navarro. “Local healthcare professionals will benefit from valuable training and resources that have only been available off-island until now,” she said. “The UVI Medical Simulation Center will also support STEM programs for our youth with exposure to education in healthcare, medicine, science, technology, engineering and robotics.”
More information is available in a news release on the Media Section of the UVI Website-www.uvi.edu/ - and from this direct link