A medical educator with expertise in interprofessional simulation in health care has joined UNMC to help spearhead the iEXCEL℠ initiative.
In July, Pamela Boyers, Ph.D., joined UNMC as associate vice chancellor for Interprofessional Education & Experiential Learning. She has extensive knowledge and experience in this area having most recently served as executive director of the University of Toledo (UT) Interprofessional Immersive Simulation Center and assistant professor in the department of surgery.
Through iEXCEL℠, learners will acquire knowledge, and learn and practice professional skills using a wide variety of simulation modalities in order to practice patient care before encountering real-life situations.
“Dr. Boyers has a wealth of knowledge on integrating simulation technology into the curriculum of health care professionals,” said Dele Davies, M.D., vice chancellor for academic affairs. “With her experience at UT and prior, she will be invaluable as we continue to create a networked interprofessional simulation center that is unique to Nebraska.”
“iEXCEL℠ provides an extraordinary opportunity for UNMC to provide much needed leadership in the field of health care education,” Dr. Boyers said. “While the focus for iEXCEL℠ is directed to the education of health care professionals, the ultimate recipients will be the patients who receive their care. The goal is to improve patient safety by teaching procedures, communication skills and teamwork in safe simulated health care settings.”
It’s important to note, she said, that iEXCEL℠ “is a means to an end, but is not the end.” Rather, it’s a springboard into the future and learning with interactive, touch screen walls; surgical simulation; and 3-D, virtual reality and holographic technology. “Our opportunities are limited only by our imagination.”
A lifelong medical educator, Dr. Boyers was born in England where she completed her education as a registered nurse and professional counselor. She says that it was during these formative professional years that she developed a strong and enduring interest in positively impacting patient safety and improving the outcomes of health care through the education of health care professionals. Her master’s degree and Ph.D. in counseling and education were received from The Ohio State University.