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University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston Simulation Center is the first center endorsed by the American Society of Anesthesiologists

 

 

A 2009 survey of anesthesiologists completed by the ASA showed that anesthesiologists want and need to obtain high-quality simulation training. The ASA supports the specialty’s growing desire for high-quality simulation training centers through its Simulation Education Network endorsement program. For 9 years, the Simulation Center at UTMB-Galveston has been providing high-caliber education opportunities and that is why we felt it was important to obtain the ASA-endorsement. Increasingly, the evidence suggests that simulation education can have a positive impact on Patient safety and quality of care, making this endorsement good news for the average Patient as well as the physician. Anesthesiology has traditionally been at the forefront of simulation research and training, and ASA’s leadership in establishing the endorsement program reinforces that this type of training remains a top-priority for the specialty. The approval process for endorsement is extensive including ASA’s review of the center’s mission, educational offerings, curriculum development, instructor and course effectiveness, program leadership, and infrastructure. Our center was the first 18 programs nationwide to receive this distinction. For additional information on the program, please go to the ASA’s Web site. The American Board of Anesthesiology requires that practicing anesthesiologists have simulation training as part of their Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology® (MOCA®). Simulation training must be completed at an American Society of Anesthesiologists endorsed center. the Simulation Center at UTMB-Galveston, with faculty instructors from the Department of Anesthesiology, will be offering simulation training for those seeking to meet the MOCA® requirements. The MOCA® courses will include opportunities to practice critical event management and teamwork skills. Each course will be 6 hours and give every participant requiring MOCA® certification a chance to play a primary role as an anesthesiologist. The courses are geared to meeting the objectives of the MOCA® requirement but are appropriate for any anesthesiologist seeking to practice skills in managing critical events. While there will be opportunities to learn skills in managing some specific events, the focus is on learning generic skills in managing any type of infrequent but critical event in anesthesia. Courses will meet all of the ABA requirements, as defined by the ASA Committee on Simulation Education. If you are interested in attending a course, please visit our registration page. You may also call the simulation center if you have any questions at (409) 747-8790.

 

 

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Anesthesia Center Staff

Director
Ronald Levy, MD

Assistant Director
Stefanie Fischer, MD

Education Director
Beth Teegarden, MD

Business Operations
Isela Ramos, MBA

Teaching Faculty
Axel Rodriguez, MD
Ryan Griffin, MD
Michael Cook, MD


Support Staff
Kathryn Gwinn