Welcome
The Simulation Learning, Education and Research Network (SimLEARN) is the VHA's program for simulation in healthcare training. Serving the largest integrated health care system in the world, VHA's SimLEARN provides an ever-growing body of curricula and best practices that improve healthcare for our nation's Veterans. The use of innovative technologies in a safe learning environment enhances diagnostic, procedural and communication skills to support quality care and the best possible outcomes.
Robinson Named SimLEARN National Program Manager
ORLANDO, FL - Harry Robinson joined the VHA SimLEARN program as National Program Manager Feb. 13. He succeeds Dr. Paula Molloy, who served in that position since May 2010.
IMSH Highlights World of Simulation
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Simulation Learning, Education, and Research Network (SimLEARN) staff (left to right, facing camera) Tracey Robilotto, Health Education Specialist; Mary Fakes, Resuscitation Education Initiative Program Manager; and Jeanne Lewis, SimLEARN Field Activity Coordinator, talk with international participants from Brazil in the SimLEARN booth at the 2012 International Meeting of Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH) in San Diego. The meetings go from Jan. 28 - Feb. 1 and provide educational opportunities for clinicians to teach and learn alongside other clinicians from around the world. More than 3,000 clinicians and simulation professionals from around the world are attending, and nearly 40 VHA staff members are featured presenters at the international meeting.
Gainesville RN receives 2012 VA Under Secretary for Health's Excellence Award
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Denise Cochran, RN, BSN, a Veterans Health Administration employee, was presented the 2012 Under Secretary for Health's Excellence in Clinical Simulation Training, Education and Research Practice award Jan. 29.
The award was established to recognize clinical leaders who have supported and advanced VHA's strategic plan for clinical simulation. Haru Okuda, MD, National Medical Director for the Simulation Learning, Education and Research Network (SimLEARN), presented Ms. Cochran with the award at a special VHA clinical simulation break-out session during the International Meeting of Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH) in San Diego.
First REdI Training Classes Held at VACO
WASHINGTON D.C. - The first Resuscitation Education Initiative (REdI) program training classes were held Jan. 11 at the VA Central Office (VACO) in Washington D.C. A total of four classes that day provided basic life support and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training to 43 VACO staff members, including Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.
SimLEARN Featured in Simulation Industry Publication
An article co-written by Dr. Haru Okuda, SimLEARN national medical director, and Dr. Lygia Arcaro, SimLEARN national director, nursing programs profiling VHA's SimLEARN programis featured in the current issue of Military Medical Technology (MMT) magazine.
"The VHA-wide use of clinical simulation will be one of the most important and significant advancements VHA has seen in education and training in years. The opportunities for rapidly improving clinical proficiencies and performance are enormous. The direct benefits to the quality and safety of health care provided to Veterans will be real and sustained."
Robert A. Petzel, Under Secretary for Health, Veterans Health Administration, May 2010.
