FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The University of Saint Francis unveiled several improvements to its College of Health Sciences during a news conference on Wednesday in the Doermer Family Center for Health Science Education.
Saint Francis completed a project this fall that includes improvements to its Nursing Resource Center, Graduate Health Sciences classrooms, Acute Care classroom, Sonography Lab, Simulation Lab and other areas. The University also announced the creation of the Doermer Family Foundation Immersive Laboratory, the first of its kind in Indiana, which will be financed by a gift from the Doermer Family Foundation.
“Saint Francis alumni have proven again and again to be thoroughly prepared to enter any healthcare environment and provide immediate quality care,” Saint Francis Interim President Dr. Lance Richey said during the news conference. “To ensure that never changes, Saint Francis continues to quickly adapt as the medical field advances. We will make sure our students have access to the most up-to-date knowledge and tools they’ll need to succeed.”
Saint Francis invested $1.23 million to the construction improvements at the Doermer Family Center for Health Science Education, as well as additional funds for equipment and technology.
The university will use a $250,000 gift from the Doermer Family Foundation to create the Doermer Family Foundation Immersive Learning Laboratory. “We are so grateful for the Doermer Family Foundation’s support and commitment to Saint Francis and the community,” Richey said.
Saint Francis Associate Vice President for Healthcare Relations Dr. Angie Harrell said the immersive suite will allow students to experience several medical simulations. Harrell also serves as dean of the College of Health Sciences.
“The immersive room can instantly be transformed into an emergency room, a moving ambulance, a client’s home or any sort of real-life situation that a student may encounter when they enter the workforce,” Harrell said. “The unit comes with a 360-degree camera that will allow USF to capture still images and live video of any location they would like students to experience.”