Emory Nursing Learning Center Receives World’s First Installation of AI-infused Patient Simulator

The Emory Nursing Learning Center is home to the world’s first commercial installation of HAL® S5301, an advanced interdisciplinary patient simulator with artificial intelligence capabilities.

Made by Gaumard Scientific Co., the school’s HAL S5301 — known as “Emory HAL” — features AI-enhanced conversational speech, lifelike motor movement, and next-generation simulated physiology that allows HAL to simulate stroke symptoms and other medical conditions.

By using HAL, educators can facilitate true-to-life clinical training experiences in the areas of emergency, trauma, ICU, and med-surg care.

“HAL represents the new generation of technology that will be used to educate and empower tomorrow’s nursing and medical graduates with an unprecedented level of real-world skill, confidence, and preparation,” noted John Eggert, Gaumard’s executive vice president.

Accolades

Faculty, Students

Shine at Southern Nursing Research Society Conference

Three faculty members brought home awards from the Southern Nursing Research Society annual conference, held in March in Orlando.

Assistant professor Glenna Brewster, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, received the Research in Health Disparities Award, given to an individual or group conducting research that has significance for improving the health care of minorities and other underrepresented groups.

Associate professor Christina Calamaro, PhD, CPNP-BC, FAANP, received the Clinical Researcher Award, recognizing an individual working in a clinical setting for more than half of their appointment whose research has enhanced the science and practice of nursing. Calamaro also directs research and evidence-based practice at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Assistant professor Nicholas Giordano, PhD, RN, received the Early Science Investigator Award, acknowledging the contributions of a nurse scientist in early career stages who shows potential to develop a sustained program of research to enhance nursing science and practice.

Numerous faculty and students shared their research during workshops, poster sessions, and roundtable discussions throughout the conference, which focused on the topic of building partnerships in population health through research, education, and practice.

Swan, Hu Appointed to Endowed Professorships

The School of Nursing has appointed two of its faculty members to serve in significant endowed chair positions.

Beth Ann Swan, PhD, RN, FAAN, has been named the Charles F. and Peggy Evans Endowed Distinguished Professor in Simulation and Innovation.

The professorship was made possible by a bequest to the school in 2003 by the late Charles F. Evans and his wife, Peggy. This new chair underscores Emory’s commitment to developing research and technologies to enhance nursing education and patient care.

Swan is associate dean and vice president for academic practice partnerships at the School of Nursing. She is the primary investigator for two recent Health Resources and Services Administration grants and a contributor on additional grants. Her publications focus on primary and ambulatory care, innovations for education and practice, and health care policy.

Xiao Hu, PhD, has been appointed as the Asa Griggs Candler Chair of Nursing Data Science.

The Asa Griggs Candler professorships help recruit and retain senior faculty members at Emory across all disciplines. The professorships are named for Candler, founder of The Coca-Cola Company and a key Emory benefactor and trustee leader.

Hu is known for his scholarship in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and predictive analytics monitoring. His research has contributed to neurological monitoring for acute brain injuries, noninvasive intracranial pressure, and precise patient monitoring with few false alarms. He has served as principal investigator on multiple grants including four National Institutes of Health-funded R01 awards.

“One

Rose B. Cannon 74MN, 95PhD Professor Emeritus, School of Nursing — 1836 Legacy Society Member