What is Simulation?
OCOM’s Simulation curriculum is divided into four major segments. Additional information about each segment is listed below.
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In a clinical simulation setting, a Standardized Patient Encounter involves the use of trained individuals (Standardized Patients, or SPs) who simulate real patient cases, allowing student doctors to practice and enhance their patient interaction and communication skills in a realistic environment. These sessions are designed to mimic a "doctor's office visit" setting, providing students with opportunities to develop bedside manner, build rapport, and foster professionalism in a clinical context.
Standardized Patient Encounters focus on the application of clinical skills learned in other areas, integrating these with interpersonal and diagnostic skills. This hands-on experience supports the growth of student doctors by challenging them to navigate complex patient scenarios, make clinical decisions, and communicate effectively.
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In a clinical simulation setting, a Task Trainer is a specialized training session designed to replicate specific anatomical or medical scenarios, enabling students to practice and perfect procedural skills in a focused, hands-on environment. These devices are often used to teach foundational medical skills, such as IV insertion, suturing, catheterization, lumbar punctures, or airway management, in a controlled and safe setting.
Task Trainer sessions are taught in small group settings, with a student-to-instructor ratio of 4-5:1, allowing for personalized instruction and immediate feedback. This setup fosters a supportive learning environment where students can build confidence and competence in procedural techniques, preparing them for real-life clinical applications. The intimate group size ensures each participant receives ample time and guidance to refine their skills, promoting mastery of both technique and procedural knowledge.
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In a clinical simulation setting, High-Fidelity Simulation utilizes advanced manikins to replicate real-life inpatient scenarios, providing student doctors with an immersive and interactive learning environment. These high-fidelity manikins can simulate a wide range of clinical conditions and respond dynamically to treatment interventions, allowing students to engage in realistic, hospital-based scenarios.
Simulation sessions typically involve team-based interactions, where student doctors collaborate under the supervision of a faculty member. This format fosters a fast-paced, high-pressure environment that encourages quick recall, effective teamwork, and sound decision-making to diagnose and treat patients efficiently.
Additionally, Simulation Operations Technologists play a vital role by activating and controlling the manikins to mimic patient responses. This guided interaction helps direct student doctors toward appropriate actions while offering opportunities to refine critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills. These comprehensive experiences bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice, preparing students to deliver effective and confident care in actual patient settings.
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In a clinical simulation setting, Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is a cutting-edge medical practice that empowers student doctors to utilize ultrasound technology for real-time diagnosis and treatment. This modern tool enhances clinical decision-making by providing immediate visual insights into a patient's condition, making it an essential skill for today’s medical professionals.
POCUS training emphasizes practical application, building on foundational skills acquired during Task Trainer sessions to support clinical proficiency and deepen anatomical understanding. Through hands-on practice, student doctors learn to operate ultrasound equipment, acquire quality images, and interpret findings accurately, enhancing their diagnostic capabilities.
As POCUS becomes increasingly prominent in outpatient and inpatient settings, its integration into the curriculum ensures student doctors are well-prepared to use this advanced technology effectively. This training fosters adaptability and confidence, equipping future physicians with the tools to deliver precise and informed care in diverse clinical environments.
Integrated Simulation with Curriculum
At OCOM, simulation is an essential and integrated component of the curriculum, designed to build upon foundational knowledge and skills in a spiraled manner. Each simulation segment—whether through high-fidelity manikins or standardized patient encounters—connects seamlessly with other aspects of the educational experience to support student doctors' comprehensive development.
Simulation sessions begin with a pre-brief, where students receive an overview of the objectives, tasks to be accomplished, and the importance of effective team dynamics. These scenarios require students to put their hands-on learning into action, applying concepts taught in other courses to solve clinical challenges. Through these interactions, students refine their muscle memory, progressively building confidence and deeper understanding in medical interactions and procedures.
Following the simulation, a debrief session is conducted by lab facilitators. This crucial component emphasizes professionalism, evaluates task completion, and provides students with real-world insights as facilitators share their own experiences and strategies for managing complex situations. Together, these elements ensure that simulation not only reinforces clinical skills but also prepares students to think critically, act decisively, and practice compassionately in real-world healthcare settings.
What Sets OCOM Apart?
Expert-Guided Learning with Task Trainers & POCUS
At OCOM, Task Trainer and POCUS activities are led by our team of Lab Facilitators—qualified and fully trained physicians from the Central Florida region. These facilitators bring a wealth of clinical expertise and a commitment to excellence in medical education, ensuring that students receive instruction aligned with current best practices in modern medicine.
Before each session, Lab Facilitators are thoroughly briefed on the specific activities, student learning objectives, and teaching strategies. This preparation allows them to provide personalized guidance and corrections during hands-on activities, fostering an environment of growth and mastery. Through their mentorship, student doctors are empowered to refine their skills, transitioning from guided learning to independently performing tasks with precision and confidence.
These focused sessions not only enhance technical competence but also build the critical thinking and problem-solving abilities necessary for success in clinical practice. Under the expert supervision of our Lab Facilitators, students are equipped to meet the challenges of modern healthcare with skill, knowledge, and professionalism.
At OCOM, our unique educational model emphasizes early and immersive hands-on learning, beginning in the first semester. Unlike many schools where clinical exposure is deferred until later years, our students engage in simulation-based opportunities right from the start. This early exposure ensures they build practical skills and confidence well before entering their clinical years in the 3rd and 4th years.
What truly distinguishes OCOM is our culture of embracing mistakes as a vital part of the learning process. We understand that mastery comes through doing, and we provide a safe environment where students can learn, grow, and refine their skills without fear of failure. By fostering this supportive atmosphere, we prepare future physicians to approach challenges with resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Our hands-on approach, integrated from semester one, equips OCOM students with the experience, knowledge, and confidence to excel in their clinical years and beyond.
Simulation Center Team
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