Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, as well as Omaha City Council members Ben Gray, Chris Jerram and Rich Pahls, attended an event on campus in February to mark UNMC’s appreciation for the city’s support of the Global Center for Advanced Interprofessional Learning.
In 2016, the City Council approved funding of $10.7 million toward the $118.9 million budget for the center with the majority of the funding going toward city-related improvements (i.e., streets, lighting, signage, etc.). The event was an opportunity for UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., not only to thank city officials, but to explain how the project will allow UNMC to be a national model and resource for improving the outcomes of patient care.
“The project will impact not only Omaha, but the state and beyond by focusing on enhanced quality and safety of health care through the adoption of simulation,” said Pamela Boyers, Ph.D., associate vice chancellor for Interprofessional Education & Experiential Learning (iEXCEL).
“There is a shift in education from lecture-based to more competency-based learning,” said Dele Davies, M.D., vice chancellor for academic affairs. “We can improve retention and mastery by making learning more engaging and experiential. We are training people who are digitally competent — iEXCEL knows this and is transforming education to meet their needs. We are creating the foundation for more effective health care.”
To see a photo album from the event, click here.
The city’s support also was tied to the potential for the project to create unique opportunities for workforce development for Omaha. iEXCEL and the Global Center will create jobs in simulation and visualization, including 3-D and virtual reality. It will bring economic benefits to Omaha by attracting global industry collaborators who will hire local talent to support the Global Center and open Omaha-based offices because of this effort.
In addition, the project will impact the local hospitality industry due to the large number of visitors who will come for world-class training and research opportunities and to witness a transformational model for health care education in action.
“We are extremely appreciative of city leadership for sharing and participating in the iEXCEL vision. We are highly committed to the continued success of the Omaha community — especially in contributing to workforce development,” Dr. Boyers said.