Goodman Gets A Glow-up

The Goodman Surgical Education Center (GSEC) has undergone a remarkable transformation to enhance the educational experience for students and instructors alike. With a focus on upgrading equipment, improving realism, and expanding capabilities, the center is poised to elevate medical education to new heights.

Following a generous donation in early 2023, The Center’s staff embarked on a comprehensive upgrade process. Simulation Specialist and Education Projects Coordinator Robyn Foote said the recent installations of a new mannequin and advanced audiovisual system mark the homestretch, with only user training and cosmetic adjustments remaining on the agenda.

“Between meeting with equipment representatives to discuss site needs, submitting/processing the POs, preparing the facility space, coordinating with [the hospital], and receiving and installing the equipment the entire process has taken about 1.5 years,” said Foote. “Despite the extensive renovations, we've tried to mitigate disruptions as much as possible and have remained largely accessible in most areas of learning.”

Dr. Connie Gan, a surgical education fellow, highlighted the significance of the new SimCapture system in enhancing simulation experiences.

“In many of our simulations, the Goodman team strives to replicate clinical scenarios with high realism to enhance our knowledge and skills. However, the limitations of our previous system, particularly in audiovisual components, often hindered this goal,” said Gan. “The new SimCapture system will enable learners to engage more independently in scenarios before receiving guidance, enhancing their problem-solving skills.”

Gan says the new system also offers improvements for instructors.

“I look forward to utilizing the system for recording and reviewing my teaching, including post-scenario debriefings, which will help me refine and improve my instructional techniques,” said Gan.

The system enables learners to engage independently in scenarios, fostering problem-solving skills and facilitating the review of teaching methods for instructors. The improved audiovisual components address previous limitations, allowing for a more immersive and effective learning environment.

Goodman Center Simulationist Teresa Roman-Micek said she’s most excited about the new electronic patient simulator, SimMan3G. The simulator's enhanced realism and functionality offer a more authentic and enriching learning experience.

“The new SimMan has an improved look so the initial encounter looks more like a real person. The skin is a silicone based instead of a hard plastic; that makes a huge difference,” said Roman-Micek. “The ‘patient’ has all the anatomically correct pulse points, heart and lung sounds, and pupils that respond to light. Eyelids can be closed or halfway open. We can also do more coaching in terms of emergent intubation, and it has IV access in both arms.”

With a focus on expansion and innovation, The Center looks to accommodate more learners, enhance recording and debriefing capabilities, and simulate realistic medical scenarios with increased precision and detail.

“Of course, there's always more to be done at The Center, and we have some additional goals on the horizon,” said Foote.

Roman-Micek notes that although SimMan3G comes with both sets of genitalia, there are no breasts. Hey Plastic Surgeons: want to do a reconstruction?

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