The Simulation Learning, Education and Research Network (SimLEARN) is the VHA's program for simulation in health care 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 health care 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.
Take the Time to Remember Our Veterans this Veterans Day and Every Day
By Gerald Sonnenberg
EES Marketing and Communication
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – On Veterans Day, we celebrate and recognize all Veterans of the United States. Today, there are more than 20 million living Veterans, and the older I get, the deeper my appreciation for the lives Veterans have lived grows.
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Nominations Open for Annual Under Secretary for Health's Simulation Awards Program
By Gerald Sonnenberg
EES Marketing and Communication
ORLANDO, Fla. – The VHA SimLEARN program recently announced a call for nominations for the 2018 Under Secretary for Health’s Awards Program for Excellence in Clinical Simulation Training, Education and Research. These awards recognize executive leadership, clinical practice, simulation champions and REdI champions that have significantly contributed to VHA’s mission of providing outstanding clinical simulation training to the community and who have supported and advanced VHA’s strategic plan.
The VHA SimLEARN awards program includes four awards:
- The Excellence in Clinical Simulation Training, Education and Research Executive Leadership Award
- The Excellence in Clinical Simulation Training, Education and Research Practice Award
- The Excellence in Clinical Simulation Training, Education and Research Champion Award
- The Excellence in Clinical Simulation Training, Education and Research Champion Award for the Resuscitation Education Initiative (REdI)
The annual awards program was established to promote and advance system-wide progress of VHA goals, objectives and strategies for the deployment of clinical simulation to improve the quality of health care for Veterans.
Please visit the Simulation Awards page on the SimLEARN website to view award criteria and how to submit the nominations. Each award requires its own specific nomination form, as well as a Form VA0235 for submission.
Nominations will be accepted through Nov. 30.
You can also learn more about the SimLEARN program by visiting the SimLEARN website, as well as available training courses.
Simulation training, education and research expertise earns three VHA leaders top honors
By Gerald Sonnenberg
EES Marketing and Communication
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Three VHA leaders in simulation training were selected to be recognized for their expertise in leadership and mentoring in the field of clinical simulation training to earn the 2017 VA Under Secretary for Health’s Awards for Excellence in Clinical Simulation Training, Education and Research. This award program recognizes clinical and executive leaders in VHA’s clinical simulation who have supported and advanced VHA’s strategic plan for simulation. The annual awards were established as a means of promoting and advancing system-wide progress of VHA goals, objectives and strategies for the deployment of clinical simulation to improve the quality of health care Veterans receive.
The following are the selectees and their categories:
- Chan W. Park, M.D., FAAEM, director of simulation education and co-director of the Interprofessional Advanced Fellowship in Clinical Simulation at the Durham VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Durham, North Carolina, is the recipient of the Excellence in Clinical Simulation Training, Education and Research Practice Award.
- Mary Ellen Elias, MSN, RN-BC, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System simulation coordinator, and co-director Interprofessional Advanced Fellowship in Clinical Simulation, is the recipient of the Excellence in Clinical Simulation Training, Education and Research Champion Award.
- Wilma Ayala, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), MS, RN, Nurse educator-BC, Resuscitation Education Initiative (REdI) program director at the VA North Texas Health Care System in Dallas was selected as the recipient of the Excellence in Clinical Simulation Training, Education and Research Champion Award for REdI.
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