Marshall B. Ketchum University has been awarded a $139,000 grant from The Del E. Webb Foundation for the first of two critical Simulation Center rooms to be housed in the Health Professions Building at MBKU’s main campus in Fullerton. The Del E. Webb Foundation’s vision is to provide the most long term benefit for the most people through medicine and education.
MBKU will purchase the Laerdal SimMan® 3G advanced patient simulator that can display neurological symptoms as well as physiological symptoms, and an electric and fully adjustable hospital bed to allow for maximum flexibility of patient simulation scenarios. The state-of-the-art Simulation Center, designed with the interprofessional model in mind, will be the heart of the patient-centered curriculum that MBKU highly values. The center will deliver hands-on simulation experiences for MBKU students, which will be flexible, accessible and supplied with the highest quality equipment designed to meet new challenges and facilitate the growing demand for in situ and multidisciplinary training.
“Simulation leads to high-quality, consistent and confident care by providing students with a myriad of scenarios in which they can practice, manage and diagnose problems in a safe and easily accessible environment. The advanced patient simulator will be named “Del” in recognition of the generous support of The Del E. Webb Foundation,” said Rob Rosenow, PharmD, OD, Founding Dean and Professor, College of Pharmacy. Dean of the College of Health Sciences, Judy Ortiz, MHS, MS, PA-C, added, “At MBKU, optometrists, physician assistants and pharmacists will learn to care for patients as a team. We recognize that the shifting health care landscape has created a true demand for competent and innovative clinicians and health care professionals who will play a vital role on the forefront of comprehensive and proactive medical care, yielding lasting health-driven behaviors and wellness. With the support of The Del E. Webb Foundation, we can ensure that graduates of Marshall B. Ketchum University are prepared to deliver excellent patient care now and in the future.”
“MBKU has been addressing the growing need for highly proficient and compassionate health care clinicians offering a relevant, cutting edge curricula since 1904,” said President Kevin Alexander, OD, PhD. “Support from The Del E. Webb Foundation ensures that MBKU can continue offering well-rounded academic programs that complement relevant didactic instruction with hands-on clinical training in an interprofessional environment.” Stanley Woo, OD, MS, MBA, Dean, Southern California College of Optometry added, "Simulation can play a significant role in the optometric curriculum. With a continued focus on technology enhancements, MBKU is seeking support to bring direct and indirect ophthalmoscope simulation to campus as a unique way to teach essential diagnostic skills."
Marshall B. Ketchum University is proud to count this and other private foundation grants, corporate contributions and individual gifts in its first comprehensive fundraising campaign. ACHIEVING 20|20: The Campaign for MBKU will make its official public launch next year. Dedicated alumni, grateful patients and generous community supporters will help MBKU reimagine the future of health care education. For more information contact Erika Bernal, Director of Development & Alumni Relations at 714.992.7832 or ebernal@ketchum.edu.