Sorrell Center shows latest in simulated training tools









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UNMC physician assistant Karen Schrader teaches Omaha World-Herald reporter Rick Ruggles how to use a stethoscope on a human patient simulator.

UNMC faculty members saw a different kind of patient in the new Sorrell Center during last week’s Simulation Day.

Taking a break from her work as a high-risk ob/gyn physician, UNMC associate professor Teresa Berg, M.D., learned about “Noelle,” a life-size mannequin that gives birth.

“It’s really great for showing how to deal with unusual situations,” Dr. Berg said. “To be able to run through it is really nice.”

Noelle was one of a family of mannequins demonstrated by company representatives, including a newborn that cries and mimics all sorts of medical problems.

Simulation Day gave faculty, staff, students and area health care organizations a chance to see what’s state-of-the-art in the human patient simulators that help teach students and health professionals to perform or brush up on various clinical skills. The day also featured virtual reality trainers and laparoscopic trainers used to hone the skills of surgeons and surgeon candidates.







“It’s really great for showing how to deal with unusual situations. … To be able to run through it is really nice.”



Teresa Berg, M.D.



“This is a great step towards moving simulation into curriculum for patient care and safety,” said Paul Paulman, M.D., associate dean for clinical skills in the College of Medicine.

Patti Carstens, director of the Sorrell Center’s clinical skills laboratory and event organizer, said the goal for the lab is not only to house the patient simulators, but to ultimately set up a schedule where simulators could be available to students on demand.

“We want to offer students a chance to practice, not just for their competency testing or doing labs,” Carstens said. “We want them to feel comfortable enough that if they want to practice suturing, for example, that they give us a call, come in and practice suturing long enough that they feel they’ve mastered it and achieved the level they want.”