Case Study

"I cannot thank you enough for the lessons learned in the SimSuite. Feeling comfortable with the manifold, catheter selection, wire management, different types of indeflators, the various projection angles and coronary anatomy, and potential complications during a cardiac catheterization made a huge difference. All of these aspects I was exposed to in the SimSuite had direct applicability on my cardiology training."

Joseph Joson
Former UC Davis Resident
University of New Mexico

Challenge

The University of California at Davis (UCD) wanted a training solution to bridge the gap between medical school education and hands-on clinical training experience for new medical residents. The historical model of "see one, do one, teach one," was becoming quickly outdated in light of advances in medical simulation, which provide learners with a realistic and risk-free training experience.

MSC Solution

The SimSuite Education System's advanced simulation technology and courseware provides UCD residents with realistic and clinically applicable training experiences that prepares them to treat patients without putting actual patients at risk. SimSuite training allows UCD physicians-in-training to strengthen their cognitive decision making and technical skills, and confidence before treating patients.

Results

"My cath [rotation] month was awesome. Our chairman told me that I was the best first year fellow he'd seen in the cath lab and our program director and director of the cath lab were equally impressed. I logged quite a few cases for a slow month, approx 60. I want to thank you so much for all your help in the SimSuite. I've told the interventional [physicians] about the program and they were impressed."

Tracy Huynh
Former UC Davis Resident
University of Wisconsin

A 2007 study published by the Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery examined the role of simulation in physician training. Nine vascular surgery residents from programs in a five-state area were invited to participate in the study at the UCD SimSuite. The study, authored by UCD Vascular Surgeon David Dawson, MD, found that simulation training significantly improved residents' performance in several key areas:

  • Faster procedure times
  • Decrease in fluoroscopy and contrast use
  • Improved timeliness of recognition and appropriate management of complications.

The SimSuite Center at the UC Davis Center for Virtual Care, open since 2003, also provides experienced physicians, allied health providers and medical students with simulation training opportunities through MSC's diverse curriculum, which includes advanced scenarios, nursing and critical care courses and a highly efficient ACLS recertification program.