Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine is seeking On-Call Simulation Techinicians. The Simulation Technician is responsible for the daily technical operations of the WMED Simulation Center. This educational facility provides simulation-based education and training services to all programs within WMED, as well as to community physicians, nurses, pre-hospital providers, allied health and other healthcare providers in southwest Michigan. Although undergraduate and graduate medical education is emphasized, the Simulation Center incorporates and encourages multi-specialty, interdisciplinary, and inter-professional educational activities. Medical education programs in the Simulation Center assists learners in their development of cognitive, procedural, communication, and teamwork skills, skill maintenance, clinical decision-making, professionalism, and effective, efficient, safe, and collaborative medical care in a state-of-the-art learning environment. The Simulation Center also promotes research in medical education and human performance.

The Simulation Technician maintains simulators and support equipment, troubleshoots problems with simulators and support systems (e.g., AV system), and operates a wide array of educational technology (including online and computer-based instruction).

• Develop an understanding of the use and operation of different simulation technologies and educational software used in the Simulation Center, ranging from screen-based simulations to full body patient simulators and virtual reality surgical simulators.
• Develop technical proficiency with all aspects of the operation, maintenance, support, troubleshooting, and basic repair for all equipment in the Simulation Center.
• Assist in the preparation of the facility, mannequins, audiovisual systems, and equipment for training sessions; packs up materials and shuts down equipment after the session.
• Assist videotape recording, duplication, mixing and editing.
• Assists in programming, testing, and running simulations.
• Assists with the operation of the simulators during training sessions.
• Learns, installs, and configures original hardware and software and updates provided by equipment and software suppliers.
• Assists with facility improvements and new equipment deployment.
• Assists with organization of equipment and supplies in storerooms.
• Develop initial knowledge and assist with troubleshooting problems with simulators, the AV system, and support equipment.
• Attends conferences periodically to stay current with simulation technology. Provides training and certification in the use and maintenance of the simulation equipment for those who will use the equipment unsupervised.
• Assists in the acquisition of technical knowledge of simulator and medical device, operation and procedures among instructors to ensure that curricula are accurate and appropriate.
• Supports/assists in role playing, applications, props placement, and moulage set-up to create a virtual health care environment and experience.
• Monitors and keeps track of utilization statistics for events and training, including the use of surgery simulators and equipment used by Surgery Residents.
• Availability to work occasional overtime on weekends or evenings to complete time sensitive projects.
• Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions.
• All other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Associates or bachelor’s degree in a healthcare and/or computer field, desirable
• Experience with medical simulation and/or computer-based instruction and e-learning is highly desirable.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS:

• Active Basic Live Support (BLS) certification or eligibility and willingness to become certified, preferred.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Proficiency in PC and Mac-based computer software applications, including Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and basic web design, and proficiency in associated hardware.
• Ability to conduct an Internet literature search for information.
• Strong analytical, interpretive, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivation and willingness to learn new skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and reliably meet deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment with healthcare professionals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding job assignments and sensitive issues.
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize priorities in organization of work flow.
• Performs duties under supervision.

About Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed)

We are committed to excellence and health equity through transformative medical education, high-quality, patient- and family-entered care, innovative research, and community partnerships within a just culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Our vision is health equity for all in Southwest Michigan through innovation in the practice and study of medicine.

The medical school is a collaboration of Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo's two teaching health systems, Ascension Borgess and Bronson Healthcare. The medical school is a private nonprofit corporation supported by private gifts, clinical revenues, research activities, tuition, and endowment income. Building upon a $100 million foundational gift in 2011, WMed is a recipient of the Empowering Futures Gift, a philanthropic commitment of $300 million to support the mission of the medical school. WMed contributes to the economic vitality of Southwest Michigan through the services we provide as well as the creation of 1,600 new jobs and an annual estimated economic impact of $353 million in Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties.

WMed is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and the Higher Learning Commission. The medical school offers a comprehensive, innovative four-year Doctor of Medicine degree program and two Master of Science degree programs in Biomedical Sciences and Medical Engineering. We train physicians in 10 residencies and five fellowships accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. To support our educational mission, we have Joint Accreditation for interprofessional continuing education, which incorporates accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.

WMed Health is the clinical practice of the medical school with more than 300 providers offering comprehensive primary care and specialty services in several locations throughout Kalamazoo, Portage, and Battle Creek. The Department of Pathology faculty serve as the Office of the Medical Examiner for counties throughout Michigan and northern Indiana.

The W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus located in downtown Kalamazoo serves as the primary educational facility with faculty and administrative offices, student study and social spaces, team-based learning halls, a state-of-the-art Simulation Center accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, basic science research labs, as well as toxicology and forensic pathology labs.

WMed is building upon Kalamazoo’s century-long foundation of drug discovery and medical device development with a strategic investment in clinical, laboratory, community, and educational research. The Center for Immunobiology, Center for Clinical Research, Research Histology Lab, Innovation Center, and Human Research Protection Program contribute to the medical school’s advancement of knowledge through innovation and discovery. 

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer of females, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans, and actively strives to increase diversity within its community. We provide a drug- and tobacco-free workplace. 

EEO Minorities/Women/Disabled/Protected Veterans.