Gannon University and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) are working collaboratively to enhance the quality of medical training available to local and regional healthcare providers.

A $50,000 gift from LECOM to Gannon has allowed the University to add the TraumaMan and MicroMaxx Ultrasound systems to Gannon’s Patient Simulation Center. Officials from both schools formally announced the gift at a press conference held today at the Simulation Center, located in Gannon’s Morosky Academic Center, 150 W. Tenth St.

TraumaMan is a simulated human torso form designed to allow students to practice a number of advanced medical procedures, including central line insertion and chest tube placement. TraumaMan has four surgical zones and is designed as a better and more practical alternative to students training with cadavers or other models.

The MicroMaxx Ultrasound System provides quality imaging for ease and accuracy for central line placement. The system is designed to help health care professionals work faster and more effectively while making point-of-care ultrasound a reality. It has applications in anesthesia, cardiology, cardiovascular disease management, emergency medicine, musculoskeletal, OB/GYN, radiology, vascular, surgery, and more.

“Gannon University is proud to have LECOM as a valued educational partner and this new technology not only will strengthen that partnership but also strengthen Gannon’s ability to serve our students and the Erie regional community,” said Gannon President Keith Taylor, Ph.D. “The partnership between our institutions moves us yet further ahead in forging the path for the highest-quality health care education and health care delivery for the Erie regional community.”

Said Dr. Carolynn Masters, Dean of Gannon’s Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences, “Gannon University is very grateful to LECOM for its generosity and support of our Patient Simulation Center. The gift will be instrumental in helping us advance the Simulation Center’s strategic goal of educational outreach and offering a higher level of medical education to a wider audience.”

Recently, a class of Internal Medicine Residents from Millcreek Community Hospital spent a day at the Simulation Center, perfecting their skills with the help of TraumaMan. Prior to their visit, Gannon University faculty in the health professions and sciences worked collaboratively with faculty from LECOM to structure a training program for the residents and for LECOM Primary Care Scholars Pathway Students, one of two, three-year doctor of osteopathic medicine degree programs offered by LECOM.

LECOM committed to supporting the Simulation Center after realizing the advantages of training physicians who will be using the skills they learn in this program to teach LECOM medical students.

“Simulation Center training is on the cutting edge of medical education,” said Silvia M. Ferretti, DO, Provost, Senior Vice President, and Dean of Academic Affairs at LECOM. “Residents find the hands-on training essential for practicing procedures that only can be learned by repetition. Learning with these manikins develops muscle memory, so that when the physician is with a real patient, the procedure is able to take place naturally and safely.”

Masters is hopeful that the Simulation Center can continue to provide training to resident physicians from Millcreek Community and from other healthcare providers. “Gannon University believes in being an educational partner, which includes hosting a world-class Simulation Center that is an asset to our students as well as to the community,” she said. “Ultimately, we hope the Center makes a positive impact on the quality of patient care.”

This article was originally published on Dec. 4, 2012 on www.gannon.edu.