STUDENT LIFE My simulation center provided just in time training for ICU, anesthesia, emergency room and Labor and Delivery staff for new policies regarding intubations and codes in positive or suspected COVID patients. We also worked with ICU clinicians to develop a procedure for proning intubated patients when there were no more Roto-beds available. Our hospital put together a team to develop processes to keep staff safe and protected while caring for COVID patients. This was a fluid process as new information was being added every day. We realized some of the guidelines were not practical and used staff feedback to revise some of our processes. We ran these simulations for the intensive care unit, emergency department, and labor and delivery. Critical care physicians, anesthesiologists, emergency medicine, nursing and respiratory at all three campuses participated.
— Debra A. Wakeham, MEd, RRT (SIM 2020)
Simulation Operations Coordinator at Northside Hospital, Atlanta, GA
Feeding Our Frontlines Through a partnership with Frontline Foods, students in the MSHA program are independently supporting local clinicians in the fight to keep our communities safe, while also supporting Birmingham’s local restaurant industry. The program was started by Christina Fortugno (MSHA Class 54), and Bradley Tipper, (MSHA Class 54, MSHI 2020). Sarah Newbern (MSHA Class 55) and Makena Boyd (MSHA Class 55, MSHI 2021) have taken over the Frontline Foods Alabama chapter. They are now formally recognized as the Alabama Chapter of Frontline Foods Volunteer Corps for World Central Kitchen. They have recruited seven additional members and were just approved for a $25,000 grant.
We are so inspired by the efforts of these leaders, they identified what was needed and went to work to fill those needs in our community — the fact that this helps both frontline caregivers and local restaurants is a fabulous ‘synergy’ that everyone can relate to. This is what servant leadership looks like. It’s great to see the students take charge in this way.
— Christy Harris Lemak, PhD
Chair, UAB Department of Health Services Administration
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