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Greetings!
This quarter marks a historic milestone for CAMLS and USF: the launch of one of the world’s first undergraduate concentrations in Healthcare Simulation Sciences. This groundbreaking program, housed within the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, reflects our deep commitment to shaping the future of healthcare education and workforce development.
Developed in partnership with the College of Public Health and the Morsani College of Medicine, this concentration offers students a rigorous, hands-on curriculum that blends theoretical foundations with immersive clinical experience. Students will complete five core courses—including simulation operations, instructional technologies, and program management—culminating in a 120-hour internship at CAMLS and affiliated simulation centers.
The program is designed to prepare students for certification as Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialists (CHSOS), a credential that is rapidly becoming the gold standard in this emerging field. With enrollment already at capacity for Fall 2025 and national marketing underway, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
This initiative is more than a new academic offering—it’s a strategic investment in the future of healthcare. By equipping undergraduates with the skills to lead in simulation-based education, we are building a pipeline of professionals who will elevate patient safety, clinical training, and innovation across the globe.
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I want to thank our faculty, staff, and partners who have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. Your dedication has positioned USF and CAMLS at the forefront of simulation science, and I look forward to seeing the impact this program will have in the years to come.
Sincerely,
Haru Okuda, MD, FACEP, FSSH
Executive Director, USF Health CAMLS
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CAMLS Brings Life-Saving Training to Rural Communities
Through its CAMLS Without Walls initiative, the team at CAMLS is delivering essential emergency medicine training directly to rural health care providers. Teams recently visited Apalachicola, FL, and Douglas, GA, offering hands-on simulation sessions focused on maternal care and airway management. Supported by donor funding, these essential programs help providers sharpen critical skills without leaving their communities — strengthening care where resources are limited and access to continuing education is often out of reach. To learn more about CAMLS Without Walls and to offer financial support, click here.
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International Collaboration
USFQ and CAMLS have entered into a contract for the Simulation Center Design and Equipment Consult. This agreement will be executed in four phases, one of which includes an on-site visit to Universidad San Francisco de Quito to review the project’s mission and vision with key stakeholders. This important consultation marks the first of its kind in Latin America and represents a significant milestone as CAMLS expands its efforts to pursue additional collaboration and consultation opportunities in the region.
Following a series of virtual meetings focused on curriculum review, the primary goal was to conduct an in-person visit to Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Quito, Ecuador, for a two-day retreat led by representatives from both institutions. This retreat provided an opportunity for an in-depth examination of the curriculum through breakout sessions and collaborative discussions aimed at identifying strengths, addressing gaps, and exploring opportunities for enhancement.
Additionally, participants worked together to develop a shared vision for the simulation space, ensuring alignment with educational objectives, technological requirements, and best practices in experiential learning. Following the site visit, the CAMLS team will provide a written report summarizing the key findings, insights, and recommendations.
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Simulation & Beyond: CAMLS Educational Updates
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APP University: A Transformative Journey in Women’s Health
In June 2024, USF Health CAMLS, in collaboration with Women’s Care, launched the APP University program, a dedicated initiative designed to empower Advanced Practice Providers in delivering exceptional women’s health care. This program was designed to empower clinicians to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care in key areas such as maternal health, reproductive health, and conditions unique to or more prevalent in women.
Over the past year, APPs have engaged in didactic discussions, tackled complex case scenarios through high-fidelity simulations, and learned alongside peers and mentors who share their dedication to advancing women’s health. Participants have shared the feedback in the surveys we conducted throughout the program. Many have expressed how the program reignited their passion for women’s health and strengthened their sense of purpose as providers.
As the second iteration concludes in July 2025, the APP University continues to demonstrate its profound impact, equipping Advanced Practice Providers with knowledge and confidence. This milestone is more than just the close of a program cycle; it represents the collective commitment of the USF Health CAMLS, Women’s Care, and the participating APPs to building a health care environment where women’s health needs are met with excellence, compassion, and evidence-based care. We are not just closing a chapter - we also look forward to building on this momentum, expanding the program’s reach, and continuing to support APPs in fostering clinical excellence, professional growth, and a strong community of practice that empowers providers to thrive in their vital roles.
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Farewell and Best Wishes, Dr. Amanda Priddy!
CAMLS) extends its deepest appreciation to Dr. Amanda Priddy as she concludes her Simulation Fellowship.
Throughout her time at CAMLS, Dr. Priddy has made meaningful contributions to our mission of advancing healthcare through experiential education. Her dedication to clinical training, commitment to excellence, and collaborative approach have positively impacted both our learners and faculty. We thank Dr. Priddy for her valuable contributions over the past year and wish her continued success in the next phase of her career.
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USF Launches Undergraduate Program to Prepare Students for Healthcare Simulation Careers
Starting Fall 2025, the University of South Florida will offer the world’s first undergraduate concentration in Healthcare Simulation Sciences—an innovative program designed to meet the growing demand for a skilled workforce in this $3 billion global industry. Offered through the USF College of Public Health in partnership with USF Health CAMLS, graduates will be prepared for careers in hospitals, academic centers, and simulation facilities, supporting the training of healthcare professionals through cutting-edge, tech-enabled education. If you're ready to step into one of healthcare’s fastest-growing fields, USF will get you there.
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Upcoming Programs
August 18, 2025 | Advanced Trauma Operative Management (ATOM)
| September 27, 2025 | Fundamentals Critical Care Support (FCCS) | October 27, 2025 | Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposure in Trauma (ASSET) Course | January 9-11, 2026 | Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Course & Cadaver Lab (MIGS) | | | |
From Simulation to Stethoscope: Celebrating Jataya Jackson’s Journey
Last week, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Simulation Operations Specialist Jataya Jackson as she embarks on her next incredible journey—medical school.
Jataya’s story is a shining example of how inspiration, mentorship, and passion can shape a future. Her journey with CAMLS began a few years ago, when she heard Dr. Haru Okuda speak as a guest lecturer for the USF Honors College class “Backstage Pass to Health Professions.” At the time, Jataya was a teaching assistant for Dr. Tricia Penniecook, MD, PhD, and the spark was immediate. Dr. Okuda’s talk on the transformative power of simulation in healthcare ignited her curiosity and passion.
Shortly afterward, Jataya joined USF Health CAMLS part-time as a Simulation Operations Specialist—and quickly became an indispensable part of our team. She transitioned to full-time, dedicating the past three years to supporting learners, refining her skills, and even teaching third-year medical students how to place IVs.
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Her growth has been nothing short of remarkable. To honor her contributions and celebrate the bright road ahead, Jataya was awarded a USF Culture Coin—an emblem of the impact she’s had here at CAMLS. Her journey was recently spotlighted on social media, where her story continues to inspire others.
Jataya is CAMLS-grown, and we could not be prouder. Her story began with a single spark—one talk, one moment—and now she’s headed for a future where there are no limits. We can't wait to see where her journey leads next.
| | Plan Your Simulation Center with Guidance from CAMLS Experts | |
Ready to build or enhance your healthcare simulation center? Let the experts at USF Health CAMLS guide you through the process with a personalized, three-hour consultation tour. Designed for organizations at any stage of development, this hands-on experience includes a behind-the-scenes tour of CAMLS, direct access to CAMLS leaders, and deep insight into focus areas of your choice — from operations and leadership to training programs and revenue generation. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert advice and avoid costly missteps. Learn more on how to schedule your consultation tour by clicking here.
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