East Tennessee State University's Center for Experiential Learning (CEL) is an educational center located on the Mountain Home VA Campus at ETSU's Quillen College of Medicine. Experiential learning focuses on creating innovative learning opportunities that result in a meaningful impact utilizing the most sophisticated technology available to provide a safe yet realistic environment to develop clinical skills through Healthcare Simulation.
One of the newest areas of the CEL is the ETSU Center for Surgical Innovation and Training (CSIT), which is currently under construction at the Anatomy Laboratory at ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine.
Robert Becker, manager of the Gross Anatomy Lab at Quillen College of medicine, provides of sneak peek of what’s in store for the CSIT:
What is unique and makes your laboratory/program stand out?
Several years ago, the anatomy faculty and staff incorporated a non-traditional embalming
approach (Thiel embalming) that provides a much more realistic preservation utilized
for teaching a variety of procedural and physical exam skills into the curriculum.
As this idea continues to evolve, we are now beginning construction on the center
for Surgical Innovation and Teaching (CSIT) lab to provide students with the opportunity
of practicing procedures on these “surgical donors” in the third and fourth years
of medical school to aid in their knowledge before beginning residency.
What type of simulation activities does your team regularly host?
We offer several opportunities currently with the plan to offer more with the future
CSIT lab. Currently, we can simulate anything from airway management and intubation
skills to lumbar punctures, ultrasound-guided nerve blocks, laparoscopic and arthroscopic
examinations/evaluations, and joint arthrocentesis.
What is one of the most interesting Healthcare Simulation Sessions you have helped host?
Through the many engagements we host for physicians in the community, we have been
able to host cardiothoracic surgeons to aid in new surgical techniques and, in conjunction
with an outside vendor, have been able to recreate the lungs inflating and the heart
pumping during the simulation to provide a more realistic experience.
What unique opportunities are offered for those outside of the college?
Our anatomy laboratory has been involved in community outreach, interprofessional
education, continuing medical education, outreach with local EMS, high school camps
and academic research sharing.