Peter M. Winter Institute for Simulation, Education and Research (WISER)
Overview
Part of the University of Pittsburgh, WISER is one of the world’s largest and most advanced health care simulation centers. Using life-like, computerized mannequins that “breathe, bleed, cough, and cry,” the center trains more than 3,500 health care professionals annually at all career and training levels. With a focus on improving patient safety at UPMC, WISER helps participants to learn specific procedures, such as placement of intravenous lines, and the decision-making skills needed in challenging medical scenarios.
Highlights:
- 16 full-size simulators, representing adults, children, and a pregnant woman, and task trainers that represent particular anatomical parts used to help students learn specific procedures;
- A mock operating room where students care for patients experiencing unexpected complications, such as loss of heart rate;
- Medical education theaters, where trainers can follow a student’s progress and challenge them with unexpected patient care scenarios; and
- A mock disaster scene used to train paramedics and other first responders.
Contact: Wendy Zellner, director, UPMC Media Relations, 412-586-9777,
zellnerwl@upmc.edu