Newswise — WASHINGTON (Jan. 29, 2015) — The George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences has acquired a state-of-the-art birthing simulator to teach students how to care for mother and child during delivery and how to address complications.

“Oftentimes, there are no second chances in medicine. In the Clinical Learning & Simulation Skills Center (CLASS) Center, students get a trial run before delivering their first baby,” said Claudia Ranniger, M.D., Ph.D., director of simulation for the CLASS Center. “Using this new birth simulator will create better doctors, who will have the opportunity to treat complications using the simulator, before experiencing them with their patients for the first time.”

The Victoria birthing simulator, from the Gaumard Scientific Company, has a patented, precision life-like delivery and birthing mechanism that births a life-like, full-term baby with sophisticated monitoring capabilities. Gaumard’s complete Victoria system includes comprehensive clinical scenarios, including shoulder dystocia and postpartum hemorrhage. With articulating endoskeletons and silky smooth elastomeric skin, Victoria is the most realistic, fully tetherless and wireless maternal/fetal simulator for use in actual point of care training.

“Victoria provides future healthcare professionals the opportunity to train using the most advanced technology in birthing simulation,” said John Eggert, executive vice president of Gaumard. “Additionally, Victoria allows students to engage in care-in-motion medical scenarios similar to what they will experience in the dynamic hospital environment.”

The new CLASS Center, which opened its doors on March 1, 2014, provides one of the most innovative educational environments in the nation. At GW, students supplement their classroom learning with comprehensive clinical exposure, feedback, and evaluation that prepare them to become both technically adept and compassionate caregivers. Access to technology, such as the Victoria birthing simulator, gives students a decided edge over their counterparts in programs at other institutions.

For more information about the CLASS Center, visit http://smhs.gwu.edu/class/.

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About the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences:Founded in 1824, the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) was the first medical school in the nation’s capital and is the 11th oldest in the country. Working together in our nation’s capital, with integrity and resolve, the GW SMHS is committed to improving the health and well-being of our local, national and global communities. www.smhs.gwu.edu.