The Office of Simulation in Medicine and Surgery (SIMS) became a university-wide office in 2019, renovating and re-opening the Colorado RVU Healthcare Simulation Center in the Fall of 2020. Over 16,000 square feet of space in Colorado campus and over 10,000 square feet in Utah campus is dedicated to hands-on and tele-simulation learning opportunities for all members of the healthcare team. Medical and Physician Assistant students gain experience using task trainers for ultrasonography, vascular access, sterile surgical technique, suturing and operating room etiquette. First Responders practice resuscitation techniques, intubation, hemostasis and advanced skills such as cricothyrotomy. General Surgery Residents hone their skills at emergency airways and trauma laparotomies, while Family Medicine Residents improve their procedural and wound care capabilities. Practicing physicians can refine their minimally invasive Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery techniques. 3-D Virtual Reality modules and hi-fidelity electronic manikins help train critical thinking skills using simulated patients. Numerous simulation events and modalities are being continually updated and incorporated into intra- and extra-curricula of all programs at RVU at both campuses, including Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Special Track Programs, Student Clubs and Organizations, Simulated Mass-Casualty Incidents and Community Outreach Events.
