Bringing R2D2 into the classroom: Human Patient Simulators in Healthcare Education
Posted on October 14th, 2005

Airline pilots learn using flight simulators. Medical students learn using human simulators.

Dr. Gwen Lombard will speak about the first lifelike human patient simulator in the University of Illinois system on October 21, 2005 at the Peoria NEXT Colloquia in the Peoria Public Library at 3:30.

These human patient simulators exhale carbon dioxide, blink their eyes, and have heartbeats just like real patients.

Lombard’s presentation will cover key questions like what the human simulator is, why it should be used, and why it is effective in improving patient’s care. The simulation center is open for use in the community.

“It’s the new cutting edge of medical technology,” Dr. Lombard said,”It’s not only for use by medical students. Firemen, nurses, and the military could all use it for practice.”

Dr. Lombard said that simulators will change the medical industry.

“New doctors will be able to treat a patient that goes into respiratory distress better because they’ve practiced on a simulator so many times,” Dr. Lombard said.

The University of Illinois College of Medicine has had their adult human patient simulator since late June in addition to a 6 year old child. Plans are underway to order a 6 month infant. A naming contest for the adult simulator is in the works as well as a baby shower when then 6 month infant arrives.

The Peoria Next Colloquia features thought provoking presentations from leading scientists, physicians, and engineers who are shaping the future through groundbreaking research and innovation in Central Illinois.

For more information on the full Colloquia series CLICK HERE.