Student Doctor IV Insertion practice

What is Simulation?

OCOM’s Simulation curriculum is divided into four major segments. Additional information about each segment is listed below.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Simulation at OCOM: Hands-On Learning from Semester One
At OCOM, our innovative educational model prioritizes early, immersive, and hands-on learning, starting in the first semester. Unlike many medical schools that delay clinical exposure until later years, our students begin engaging in simulation-based opportunities right from the start. This approach ensures they develop practical skills and confidence long before their clinical years in the third and fourth years, making them well-prepared for the challenges of real-world medicine.

Embracing Growth Through a Culture of Learning
What sets OCOM apart is our culture of embracing mistakes as a vital part of the learning journey. We recognize that mastery comes through doing, and we provide a safe, supportive environment where students can learn, grow, and refine their skills without fear of failure. By fostering resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we prepare future physicians to approach challenges with confidence and compassion.

Expanded Scope for Clinical Skills Mastery
To further enhance early learning, our Clinical Skills course offers students individualized practice with Standardized Patients (SPs) in areas like medical interviewing, physical exams, SOAP note preparation, and medical documentation. This early exposure gives students a strong foundation in simulation-based training, helping them transition seamlessly into clinical years and positioning them as competitive residency candidates.

Progressive Practice in a True Medical Setting
OCOM’s unique approach allows students to gradually build their clinical skills in a controlled, realistic environment. Beginning with basic clinical competencies, students progress to comprehensive patient encounters during advanced simulation courses. This deliberate progression ensures they are fully prepared to manage complex cases with confidence.

Cultural Competency in Patient Care
Our simulation program emphasizes cultural competency, exposing students to scenarios that reflect the diversity of modern-day medicine. Students learn to recognize how medical conditions present across different ethnicities, genders, and levels of ability, ensuring they are equipped to provide equitable and informed care in their future practice.

Interprofessional Education for Team-Based Excellence
In support of a collaborative healthcare model, our curriculum integrates interprofessional education within clinical skills and simulation events. Students work alongside peers from other healthcare professions, including nurses, nurse practitioners, technologists, and more. This fosters a deeper understanding of team dynamics and prepares students to thrive in multidisciplinary healthcare settings.

Equipping Future Physicians for Success
By integrating hands-on learning from semester one, OCOM equips students with the experience, knowledge, and confidence to excel during their clinical years and beyond. Our simulation program prepares students not only to meet the demands of medical practice but to lead with skill, empathy, and innovation.

Simulation Center Team

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