Greetings!

“See one, do one, teach one” was the mantra used for years as a foundational learning theory for medical professionals. Simulation is now replacing that mantra. We at USF Health CAMLS take a more objective approach to introduce incoming residents and senior residents to key concepts which build skills while maintaining patient safety. In other words, learners have the opportunity to practice in a safe environment to improve competency and confidence before treating a live patient. 

In January, we are partnering with Tampa General Hospital to provide the second annual ECMO Lifesavers Simulation Course. This is an immersive, hands-on course designed for physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, ECMO specialists, and perfusionists involved in the care of patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). 

This newsletter will showcase course offerings and new initiatives which enhance patient safety through simulation.

We hope you enjoy this edition of CAMLS Insider.

Sincerely,

Luis Llerena, MD, FACS, MAMSE, CHSE-A

Medical Director, USF Health CAMLS

Community Activity

CAMLS conducts annual pre-season simulation training with Tampa Bay Lightning

USF Health CAMLS conducted an exciting training session at Benchmark International Arena in collaboration with the Tampa Bay Lightning. This training brought an advanced patient simulator to the arena, allowing team physicians, USF/TGH emergency physicians, Tampa Fire-Rescue paramedics, and athletic trainers to practice life-saving stabilization procedures in a realistic ice arena setting.

The participants responded to a life threatening arrhythmia, airway trauma, and laceration hemorrhage, enhancing their preparedness to work cohesively as a team in the rare event a hockey player needs emergency care during a game. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to delivering hands-on training in a remote setting through our CAMLS Without Walls Program.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue returns to CAMLS for airway management training

Last month, we were pleased to welcome Hillsborough County Fire Rescue back to CAMLS for advanced airway training. HCFR paramedics experienced a mix of advanced airway lectures and hands-on skills station practice, and then had the opportunity to put their skills into action on our manikins. Thank you to these brave heroes for your dedication to keeping our community safe.

CAMLS Research

USF Health CAMLS is proud to welcome two new researchers whose expertise will strengthen our mission of advancing healthcare innovation: Byeol (Star) Kim, PhD and Devid Zille, DDS, OMFS.

Dr. Byeol (Star) Kim is a Senior Human-Centered Computing Scientist at CAMLS and Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Engineering at the USF Morsani College of Medicine. She earned her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, where she developed pioneering VR-based surgical planning systems for congenital heart disease. Her research integrates Extended Reality (VR/AR), Human-Centered Medical Systems, Machine Learning, and 3D Printing to create technologies that improve patient care and medical training. At CAMLS, Dr. Kim is advancing human-centered, data-driven medical technologies through collaborations that bridge engineering, medicine, and industry.

Dr. Devid Zille is a Maxillofacial Surgeon and internationally recognized expert in 3D modeling, additive manufacturing, and patient-specific implants. He directs the TGH USF Health 3D Visualization and Printing Lab—a unique partnership between Tampa General Hospital, the USF Health Department of Radiology, and CAMLS—and serves as Assistant Professor in the USF Morsani College of Medicine Department of Radiology. Originally from Brazil, Dr. Zille brings a wealth of experience in clinical practice, academic research, and industry innovation. His work in 3D printing, virtual surgical planning, and implant design is shaping the future of surgical care and precision medicine.



We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Kim and Dr. Zille to CAMLS and look forward to the impact their research will have on advancing simulation, innovation, and patient outcomes.

Team Member Spotlight

This month, we are proud to highlight Jairus (JR) Redd, our Simulation Operations Specialist, who has been a dedicated member of the CAMLS team for 11 years. JR plays a vital role behind the scenes, ensuring our simulation technology and operations run seamlessly so learners can focus on building their skills. His deep expertise, problem-solving mindset, and commitment to excellence have made him an invaluable part of CAMLS, and we are grateful for the impact he continues to make every day.

One of JR’s favorite aspects of being a Simulation Technician is the continuous learning he experiences from every scenario, which keeps his role both challenging and rewarding. Before joining CAMLS, he worked in Operations at Busch Gardens, maintaining rides like Cheetah Hunt and Skyride. Though he arrived without a background in healthcare simulation, his dedication and curiosity have fueled his growth, making him an indispensable member of our team.