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Greetings!
On March 30, 2012, USF Health’s Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) opened its doors with a bold vision: to revolutionize healthcare education, research, and innovation. Thirteen years later, we proudly celebrate not just our history but our trajectory—one that continues to shape the future of the Tampa Medical and Research District and beyond.
CAMLS has grown into a global leader in simulation-based education and training, offering cutting-edge programs that advance patient safety and transform how healthcare professionals learn. Our research initiatives have expanded, fostering breakthroughs in medical technology and human performance. Our partnerships—spanning academic institutions, healthcare organizations, industry leaders, and the Department of Defense—demonstrate our role as a hub for collaboration and progress. Through our dedication to innovation, we continue to drive advances in medical simulation, AI integration, and emerging technologies that redefine training and patient care.
As we mark this milestone, we also recognize the leadership that has been instrumental in CAMLS’ success. President Rhea Law has been a steadfast champion of CAMLS since its inception, serving as the original Chair of our HPCC Board of Directors for nearly a decade. Her unwavering commitment to USF and our mission has been invaluable, and as she prepares for retirement, we extend our deepest gratitude for her visionary leadership and dedication to advancing healthcare education.
Looking ahead, CAMLS remains a cornerstone of the Tampa Medical and Research District’s growth, in partnership with USF Health and Tampa General Hospital. With each passing year, we reaffirm our commitment to shaping the future of healthcare through cutting-edge education, groundbreaking research, and collaborative innovation.
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Thank you to our faculty, staff, partners, and supporters for being part of this incredible journey. Here’s to 13 years of progress—and to the many milestones yet to come.
Sincerely,
Haru Okuda, MD, FACEP, FSSH
Executive Director, USF Health CAMLS
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Last month, the 2025 Tampa Bay Wave CyberTech|X Accelerator cohort took the stage at CAMLS, wowing the room with their innovative solutions to today’s most pressing digital threats. Congratulations to all the founders on delivering outstanding pitches and successfully completing the program—your innovation is shaping the future of cybersecurity!
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Women dressed in red gathered at USF Health CAMLS for the Tampa Bay Chamber's Pearls of Experience event. The evening kicked off with a welcome from our very own Colleen Reiner, followed by insightful presentations from Dr. Gaelle Laurore-Fray of Tampa Family Health Centers and Courtney Burt of the American Heart Association. Attendees practiced hands-on life-saving skills with their very own inflatable CPR manikins. We were proud to sponsor this impactful night focused on women’s health and wellness in honor of American Heart Month.
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During a Tampa benchmarking visit of the National Conference of State Legislators, the NCSL Task Force on Technology learned how Dr. Shannon Bailey and her team are leading pioneering research in VR-based emergency medical training, transforming how physicians in remote areas develop critical skills.
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Laura Frost joined Leadership Tampa Alumni volunteers to host an afternoon of networking with students at Cristo Rey Tampa. Professional experiences during the panel discussion and career path rotations provided a broad spectrum of options and perspectives, including careers in medical technology and simulation in healthcare.
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We were honored to welcome Consul General Nakano for a tour of USF Health CAMLS! Led by our Executive Director, Dr. Haru Okuda, the visit highlighted our commitment to advancing healthcare education and fostering global collaborations.
We’re proud of our ongoing partnerships with Japanese universities, including the exchange of students between University of South Florida and Gifu University. These connections strengthen the future of healthcare and innovation on an international scale. We look forward to continuing our collaborations and expanding our impact worldwide.
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All the way from the Baltic region of Northern Europe, we hosted Aleksandrs Oborins, Development Manager for Simulation-Based Education for the Medical Education Technology Center (METC) at Riga Stradins University in the Republic of Latvia. Prior to CAMLS, Aleks visited our sim colleague Joy Ayala Falcon, Asst. Director of Simulation Operations at the CELS - USF College of Nursing.
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CAMLS Earns Five-Year Reaccreditation from the American College of Surgeons Accredited Education Institutes (AEI)
USF Health CAMLS has been awarded a five-year reaccreditation as a Comprehensive Education Institute by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). This prestigious designation recognizes CAMLS' commitment to delivering high-quality surgical education and training that enhances patient care. ACS-accredited institutes meet rigorous standards in simulation-based education, ensuring healthcare professionals receive cutting-edge training in a state-of-the-art environment. This reaccreditation reaffirms CAMLS' role as a leader in surgical education, shaping the future of healthcare through innovative learning experiences.
| | | Simulation & Beyond: CAMLS Educational Updates | |
As technology continues to reshape education, CAMLS is leading the charge in transforming how learners gain knowledge of essential surgical instruments.
At the upcoming Florida Online Innovation Summit in Orlando, Marina Monastyrskaya – Senior Instructional Designer and Lauren Siegal – Multimedia Developer will present their innovative approach to “Harnessing Technology for Interactive Online Learning in Surgical Instrument Mastery.” The session will explore how advanced instructional strategies and multimedia tools can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on expertise. Traditional methods of surgical instrument training often rely on in-person demonstrations and physical practice, but with the rise of online learning, educators face the challenge of making virtual instruction just as effective.
By integrating interactive quizzes, videos, and adaptive learning technologies, Marina and Lauren have developed an approach that enhances engagement and retention. This online module allows first assists to manipulate instruments in virtual environments, receive real-time feedback, and build confidence before stepping into a physical surgical setting.
The Florida Online Innovation Summit will take place on April 10th, offering a platform for thought leaders to share breakthroughs in online learning. As the demand for flexible and effective training solutions grows, embracing technology in medical education is no longer optional - it’s essential.
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Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Hybrid Course
March 29 - 30, 2025
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Advanced Trauma Operative Management (ATOM)
March 31, 2025
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Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposure in Trauma (ASSET)
April 7, 2025
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Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Refresher Course
May 17, 2025
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For the past five years, Alex Roberson has been an integral part of CAMLS, serving as the Office Administrator supporting our Executive Director, Dr. Haru Okuda. In her role, Alex helps keep operations running smoothly, managing schedules, coordinating logistics, and providing essential support to our leadership team.
Her dedication, efficiency, and attention to detail make a significant impact every day. Whether she’s coordinating meetings, streamlining processes, or assisting with special projects, Alex plays a key role in ensuring CAMLS functions at its best. We thank Alex for her hard work and commitment to CAMLS!
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CAMLS Is The Perfect Corporate Meeting Venue
Seeking a place other than the predictable to hold your next conference or meeting? CAMLS is a top location for a variety of non-healthcare companies in search of a unique venue to hold their next corporate retreat, gathering or meeting. With over 25,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 200 seat auditorium and full service on-site catering, the process becomes effortless. This is why organizations such as TECO, The Florida Bar, Ballast Point Ventures and Fifth Third Bank have chosen CAMLS for their corporate events. Learn more about CAMLS’ corporate meetings offerings by clicking here and begin the planning process today!
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