Odessa Gets Real With New Simulation Center

University officials have announced a $1 million gift from the Wood Family Foundation to equip a new clinical simulation center at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa.

The Woods are Texas Tech alumni who established Western National Bank in the Permian Basin. President Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., said the Woods’ lead gift establishes an important foundation for clinical simulation and medical education in the Permian Basin.

“Thanks just doesn’t seem to be enough for a family that’s been so generous,” Mitchell said. “Their gift will benefit our students for years to come.”

The new clinical simulation center will be an interdisciplinary educational clinical laboratory that will promote safe, quality patient care through innovative simulation technologies.

Medical Center Hospital will renovate 13,789 square feet in its former Obstetrics and Gynecology space for the simulation center.

Simulation instruction areas will include:

• Authentic health care environments that include high-tech equipment, mannequins, simulators and supplies needed to facilitate learning experiences such as an operating suite and scrub room
• Authentic simulated hospital patient and clinic examination rooms to represent the patient care environment of a surgical unit or long-term care facility
• Virtual reality and 3-D visualization that supports learning and competency evaluations
• Computerized digital audio-visual system in all rooms

John C. Jennings, M.D., regional School of Medicine dean, said having state-of-the-art equipment allows students to practice for the real world of health care.

“This donation provides TTUHSC with the opportunity to purchase high-tech equipment that will enrich the education of the students and ultimately improve the quality of care for our patients,” Jennings said. “In addition, the partnership with the Medical Center Health System will provide their staff with learning opportunities and competency assessments.”

Chancellor Kent Hance said it is an honor for the university to receive this gift.

“Clay and Louise have been great supporters over the years and we are grateful for this generous gift,” Hance said. “Thanks to their contribution, TTUHSC will continue to be at the forefront of providing its students with the education and skills needed to serve our communities with exceptional patient care.”

The new clinical simulation center in Odessa is expected to be complete in 2012.