“The simulation center bridges the gap between theory and practice,” says Liem Tran, M.H.A.’18, simulation specialist. “It fosters critical thinking, decision-making and technical proficiency, all in a way that students find incredibly engaging.” Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences student Chayston Barger Brown, D.O.’27, echoes this sentiment. “Every time I enter the simulation center, I know I will leave better prepared to serve my future patients. The combination of cutting-edge technology and supportive staff makes this an invaluable part of my education.”
A Groundbreaking Telemedicine Training Hub
Among the DMU Simulation Center’s standout features is its telemedicine training room, a first-of-its-kind space designed to prepare students for the evolving demands of modern health care. Funded in part by a gift from David L. Kapaska, D.O.’86, M.B.A., and his wife, Mary Ann, the telemedicine hub integrates seamlessly with simulated hospital and operating room setups. Students can practice using telehealth technology, such as digital stethoscopes and exam cameras, to provide care and consult remotely — mirroring real-world scenarios, including acute care and rural health settings.
“By practicing in simulation, students become aware of telemedicine resources and learn how to communicate effectively during emergencies, ultimately leading to better, safer patient care,” says Kimberly Patterson, M.S.N., R.N., CHSE, simulation center director.
Hands-On Training in High-Fidelity Environments
Beyond telemedicine, the simulation center has high-fidelity manikins that mimic human physiological functions. These life-like simulations allow students to practice critical procedures, from IV insertion to newborn deliveries, in anenvironment that mirrors the high-pressure conditions of emergency rooms and operating theaters.
“Students can make mistakes here without risking patient safety,” Patterson explains. “They gain invaluable experience handling scenarios they may not encounter during clinical rotations, such as trauma cases or rare medical conditions.”
A Comprehensive Learning Ecosystem
The center includes specialized spaces like the Rakowski Surgical Skills Lab, where students hone surgical techniques, and the Wojciechowski Trauma Lab, designed to simulate emergency medical care. The home care lab allows physical and occupational therapy students to practice patient assessments and adaptive equipment use in a realistic home environment. The Adams Task Training Lab is where students practice common procedures like starting an IV, treating wounds, obtaining blood samples and more. These facilities are complemented by DMU’s robust standardized patient program, which uses trained individuals to portray real-world scenarios.
“Interacting with standardized patients helps students build essential communication and diagnostic skills while learning to interpret non-verbal cues and navigate complex social dynamics,” Patterson says.
Advanced Technology for Today’s Challenges
DMU is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology into its training. This includes augmented reality and ultrasound simulators as well as a centralized management platform that tracks performance metrics. The use of tools like LearningSpace enhances training by enabling real-time feedback and comprehensive assessments, helping students refine their decision-making and technical skills.
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence To Transform Medical Education
Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence into medical education, led by Nehad El-Sawi, Ph.D., assistant vice president for academic innovation and enhancement. Under her direction, DMU has hosted faculty development sessions to share innovative uses of AI across various educational and clinical settings. “We’re not just following trends. We’re looking to lead. It’s about blending our rich heritage with forward-thinking applications in health care,” El-Sawi says.
AI is revolutionizing the field by enhancing diagnostic accuracy and personalizing treatment plans, which improves patient outcomes and operational efficiency. DMU faculty members are using AI to transform and advance learning environments in multiple ways:
- Utilizing digital pathology to train students on enhanced diagnostic tools and insights.
- Incorporating anatomical analysis powered by AI to deepen understanding of human anatomy.
- Leveraging predictive analytics to improve student engagement and personalize learning experiences.
- Offering professional development sessions such as Artificial Intelligence in Medical/ Health Professions Education and Patient Care: Transformative Practices for Faculty and Staff at Des Moines University, which explore AI applications in clinical care, academic support and health professions education.
This progress is possible thanks to the pioneering efforts of DMU faculty and staff who have championed these innovations, including Thomas Benzoni D.O.’83, Enrique Bedia, M.D., Kevin Carnevale, M.D., Sarah Davis, M.A., Noah Marcus, Ph.D., Molly Moeller, Brian Pinney, Ph.D., David Plutschack, O.T.D., and Muhammad Spocter, Ph.D.
“Integrating AI into our curriculum is crucial — it ensures our students are not merely participants but leaders in the future of medicine,” El-Sawi says.
Sim Center Earns SSH Accreditation
The DMU Simulation Center has achieved full accreditation in core and teaching and education areas through the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. This makes DMU part of an elite group of simulation centers worldwide. Out of approximately 1,090 simulation centers listed in the SSH directory, fewer than 300 have earned this prestigious recognition. Out of 63 osteopathic campuses, only five have received this recognition.
