Half A Million in Grant Awards Transforms Surgical Simulation Lab
In the heart of the University of Utah's Department of Surgery beats a hub of innovation and dedication driven by Nurse Educator Karen Porter. From guiding fresh medical students through the intricacies of scrubbing, gowning, and catheter placement to pioneering curricula for residents, Karen's influence is profound. Despite starting with modest resources—a mere corner in the basement of the Eccles Health Sciences Library—Karen's vision and resourcefulness are transforming the simulation lab into a state-of-the-art facility.
Expansion and Enhancement of Simulation Lab
Realizing that the basement corner was an insufficient learning environment, in early October 2023, the lab was granted nearly 2000 square feet of space with only one cabinet and three tables. Developing the newly acquired space into a functioning simulation lab hasn't been easy, "It has been a lot of McGyvering to make things work in the new lab," Karen explained.
Despite these challenges, Karen has displayed remarkable resourcefulness by setting up the space with specialty workstations using minimal funding. She was able to source tables and cabinets from the university surplus, showcasing her innovative approach to problem-solving. Most recently, she has had incredible success with grant submissions and awards, receiving nearly $500,000 in tools and supplies.
Securing Grants and Donations
With the space ready for students and a need for pricey specialty tools and materials for vascular and bowel anastomosis classes, Karen approached medical device companies for help. With some guidance, Karen completed her first grant submission and was gifted over $2,700 in supplies from Gore for vascular grafting. Realizing the resource opportunities, she quickly approached Ethicon and Medtronic, who generously contributed approximately $295,000 and $199,000 in surgical products tailored for bowel simulation labs and anastomosis classes. These grants have bolstered the department's capabilities and facilitated hands-on learning experiences crucial for future surgeons.
Innovative Educational Initiatives
Karen's impact is profound and multifaceted beyond traditional education and grant-seeking activities; she has pioneered innovative surgical education approaches through advanced technologies. Recently, Karen learned of an engineer, Mark E. Howell, from the Marriott Library utilizing a new 3D printer for the Department of Emergency Medicine and collaborated to create new anatomical models, including rib cages for chest tube placements and trachea models for emergency medicine training. She also sourced realistic artificial skin used in tattoo training to simulate realistic tissue for procedural training. Then, at the American College of Surgeons educational summit, Karen learned from biomedical engineers how to craft synthetic skin and introduced the practice internally to increase the supply and availability and reduce costs. These efforts have significantly enhanced the department's educational resources through minimal financial investment, providing realistic simulation tools for comprehensive medical training.
Into the Future
Karen is one of the unsung heroes working feverishly behind the scenes at the University of Utah's Department of Surgery. Her relentless dedication and drive for innovation are reshaping surgical education, ensuring future generations of surgeons are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their field. Her efforts are greatly appreciated and are a testament to her commitment to the field.