| Academics | Office of Simulation in Medicine and Surgery

OFFICE OF SIMULATION IN MEDICINE AND SURGERY

Celebrating ten years in existence, RVU’s simulation program was expanded and renamed the Office of Simulation in Medicine and Surgery (SIMS) in 2019. Over 16,000 square feet of space in Colorado and over 10,000 square feet in Utah is dedicated to hands-on education to all members of the healthcare team, to learners at many stages of their careers. Medical and Physician Assistant students gain experience in ultrasonography, vascular access, sterile surgical technique, perioperative care and simulated hospital rounds. EMS and Paramedic students practice resuscitation techniques, intubation and cricothyrotomy. General Surgery Residents hone their skills at trauma laparotomies, while Family Medicine Residents improve their gynecologic procedural and wound care capabilities. Practicing physicians can refine Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery techniques. Simulation events are being added to the curricula of all programs at RVU at both campuses and included in Special Track Programs, Student Clubs and Organizations and Community Outreach Events.

Accreditation

RVU’s Office of Simulation in Medicine and Surgery has the distinction of being recognized as a Comprehensive Accredited Education Institute (AEI) by the American College of Surgeons. It is the first osteopathic medical school to receive this prestigious accreditation. Rigorous reporting metrics are involved in the Annual Compliance Report and Accreditation cycles, overseen by the SIMS Advisory Board.

Simulation Technology

Technology

Acquiring and incorporating various levels of technology every year, RVU faculty often teaches surgical technique using a human-worn, partial task surgical simulator known as a “Cut Suit™”. RVU was the first medical school in the country to employ this technology. The Cut Suit is a lifelike, wearable bodysuit that contains battery-operated, blood-filled vessels and organs, producing the accurate look and feel of actual intra-abdominal and intra-thoracic contents. Learners gain realistic surgical experience and confidence. The Cut Suit™ is also used in simulated disaster scenarios and Mass Casualty Incidents, including at an Intensive Surgical Skills Course attended by First Responders and military students and personnel. Numerous interactive electronic mannikins are programmed for Internal Medicine, Obstetric, Pediatric and neonatal case scenarios and simulation competitions. Cadaveric simulations improve training in numerous disciplines. Increasingly, RVU’s 3D printer is utilized for production of anatomical body part facsimiles.

Standardized Patient Program

Specially trained actors, Standardized Patients, accurately portray the role of a patient with a specific medical condition. They provide students with direct human interaction in a safe learning environment. Performing a competent physical exam, taking a thorough medical history, and building a rapport with patients are fundamental clinical skills that all graduates should possess. RVU’s Standardized Patient Program’s primary objective is to ensure that all graduates possess these essential skills. Feedback is given by faculty, staff, as well as the standardized Patient Educators, and is valued by students in their health care education.

Visit the Standardized Patient Program to learn more or to become a Standardized Patient.

Research

Simulation research is robust at RVU. Researchers at the Office of SIMS present abstracts, posters and papers in many conferences and conventions nationally and internationally. The Office of SIMS assists students in medical simulation research including obtaining equipment, IRB submissions, submitting to conferences, and connecting students with local hospitals, police and fire departments. Interested students can also participate in the Sim Scholar program, providing additional simulation mentoring. Numerous students participate in the annual Simulation Team Competition and can advance to Regional and National events.

SIM Scholar Program

The SIMS Scholar Program is a student interest group that is open to all RVU students. Its mission is to provide cohesion and opportunity for students to explore and advanced simulation in healthcare and medical education. Through the program, students can sign up to learn more about leadership positions, simulation scenario workshops, call-for-abstracts, vendor demonstrations, and other simulation-related news and events. Workshops led by senior students and faculty allow students to learn more about and improve their skills at intubation, manikin operations, surgical simulation, and research. Students in the program often go on to participate in the Annual Simulation Competition.

Students can sign up for the program at the annual Student Club Fair or join the program's email list.

In the News

Additional Resources

Graduate Medical Education

Medical Research

Military Medicine Program

Office of Simulation in Medicine and Surgery

Standardized Patient Program

Tracks and Special Programs

Ultrasound Program

RESOURCES

Box Tracks and Special Programs_University

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine has developed several specialized educational tracks and programs to further develop the education of interested students. These range from 3.5-year-long tracks to single-semester elective courses.

Student research/scholarly activity is a vital part of health provider education. Research enhances critical thinking skills and increases medical knowledge, as well as preparing students for graduate medical education. Therefore, all students are encouraged to participate in research activities while at RVU.

During their third and fourth years of medical school, students work on clinical externships, under the guidance of preceptors. RVU students have externships available to them through Colorado and the other Mountain West states.