Dear Queen's Supporter,

With the help of 21st century technology, medical education at Queen's University is in the process of a fundamental transformation.

Today our students repeatedly practice their skills in a safe and structured environment where they can learn from their mistakes without putting patients at risk.

And your gifts to the Medical School Excellence Fund are helping – allowing us to use modern technology and techniques when training the next generation of doctors to offer excellent clinical care.

Moving beyond "see one, do one, teach one"

The traditional model of medical education had students learn most of their skills in the clinic, emergency room, or operating room setting. Under the watchful eye of a mentor, students observed and practiced their skills in a realistic setting. The safety net was the experienced doctor who would ensure students' mistakes didn't harm the patients.

Many doctors donated their time and talent to future doctors through mentorship, and many generous patients put their faith in mentors and students.

But today, students gain realistic experience in a safe and structured environment using cutting edge simulation technology.

Practicing patient simulation ensures patient safety

Today's medical students, much like pilots, learn essential clinical and surgical skills on simulators.

Medical simulators are lifelike models that allow students to practice technical skills, surgical skills, clinical care and anesthesiology. The simulators breathe, have a pulse, give birth, bleed and can be programmed for unexpected responses to treatment, just like their human patients will when the students are ready.

Students perfect important techniques, learn to work as a team in an emergency, and see the results of their actions all without any risk to patients.

Developing expertise in the lab before it really matters at the bedside

As surgery becomes even less invasive, it also grows more technically demanding. With the introduction of surgical simulation technology and virtual reality, our students will receive detailed feedback as they practice their skills. Students and instructors will take subtle measurements of trainee performance to ensure their skills are perfected in a simulated setting before they enter the reality of the operating room.

We are very excited that the new Medical Building, scheduled to open in September 2011, will house an 8,000 square foot Clinical Simulation Centre. The state-of-the-art Centre will ensure our students have access to the best that educational technology offers.

Made possible through your gifts

Best practices to ensure patient safety and excellent clinical care have changed over time, and Queen's School of Medicine is more than keeping pace – we are leading the way.

As alumni, your gifts are critical to ensuring Queen's medical students continue to enjoy top quality learning and are able to repeatedly practice important techniques without any risk to patients.

But we can't do it without you. Please, add your support with a gift to the Medical School Excellence Fund today.

Yours in thanks,
Iain D. Young, MD, CM, FRCPC
Acting Dean
Faculty of Health Sciences

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