Dr. Bill Greer announced that Ballad Health has donated a total of 1 million dollars to Milligan for a high-fidelity simulation lab.This inventive facility is equipped with human patient simulators, medical equipment, and advanced IT tools, all designed to prepare Milligan’s health care students for their future careers.
The simulation lab will likely be located inside an existing building, but no details have been confirmed. Dr. Greer indicated that he hopes to have a place confirmed in the spring with the set up to take place over the summer, with hopes the lab will be completed by Fall 2024.
Milligan’s new lab features advanced mannequins capable of mimicking cardiac and respiratory functions, along with the ability to provide realistic and measurable blood pressure readings. This lab would allow students in the health sciences programs at Milligan to gain hands-on experience with high risk and non-frequent situations.
Eric Deaton, chief operating officer at Ballad Health and Milligan alumni, commented “We know that when we make those investments the return is going to be there because of the students that Milligan produces.” He also emphasized how important the partnership between Ballad Health and Milligan is for the community, describing it as the “cornerstone of the development of our workforce”.
‘cornerstone of the development of our workforce’
president bill greer
“The new simulation lab will make a huge difference in clinical education for our health care providers and help them gain those clinical skills”
Dr. Lisa Smithgall
There is also a concerning shortage of registered nurses that is expected to affect the nation until 2031. On this note, Dr. Lisa Smithgall, Ballad Health’s chief nursing executive, said: “The new simulation lab will make a huge difference in clinical education for our health care providers and help them gain those clinical skills.”
