Rocky Vista University (RVU) is pleased to announce that its top-of-the-line simulation center has been granted continued accreditation as a Comprehensive Education Institute with the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The center, named the Institute of Medical and Surgical Simulation, must complete an Annual Compliance Report in order to meet the standards and criteria set forth by the ACS-AEI program. The goal of the program is to promote patient safety through the use of simulation, develop new technologies, identify best practices, and promote research and collaboration among the institutes.

To be granted continued accreditation, the Institute of Medical and Surgical Simulation must evaluate the effectiveness of its education through faculty assessments, continuous improvement of training programs, involvement in simulation-based research and scholarly activities, and an assessment of learning, performance and outcomes. To date, RVU is the only osteopathic medical school to receive this accreditation by the ACS. Additionally, it is one out of only two medical schools in the Mountain West region to hold this distinction.

As part of the Institute of Medical and Surgical Simulation, medical students of Rocky Vista University (RVU) are able to perform surgery using the cut suit (a human-worn body suit which simulates realistic trauma). Students and surgical residents practice techniques such as suturing, ultrasound, intubation, crichothyrotomies, and other important procedures and skills. In addition to providing a comprehensive educational opportunity for students, the Institute of Medical and Surgical Simulation offers the CPEP program, a service that helps professionals demonstrate competence and address opportunities for improvement in an effort to return to clinical practice.

“It is exciting to have received continued accreditation for such a dynamic program,” said Susan Carter, MD, FACOG, FACS, Director of the ACS-AEI Comprehensive Simulation Program. “At the Institute of Medical and Surgical Simulation, students have the opportunity to learn in a controlled environment using innovative technology that will thoroughly prepare them for future clinical practice.”

Additionally, The Institute of Medical and Surgical Simulation will participate in Healthcare Simulation Week. The week-long event, which will take place September 17 – 21, celebrates professionals around the world using simulation to improve the safety, effectiveness, and quality of healthcare services while prioritizing patient care.