BEFORE stepping into real hospital wards, future doctors at Cebu Normal University - Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (CNU-VSMMC) Medical College now have a place to hone their skills in a controlled, high-tech environment.

CNU on Wednesday, April 2, inaugurated the region’s first Medical Simulation Center, a facility designed to bridge the gap between theory and hands-on practice.

The center features high-fidelity mannequins, virtual reality tools, and advanced medical equipment that simulate real-life medical emergencies.

It allows students to rehearse critical procedures and decision-making scenarios without the risks associated with real patients.

Dr. Joseph Brian Costiniano, chairman of the Clinical Skills and Medical Simulation Lab, emphasized how the initiative provides a safe learning space.

“Kasi minsan sinasabi na doctors are just practicing on actual patients. The best thing with the medical simulation lab is that we can simulate life-and-death scenarios in a safe and controlled environment for our students,” Costiniano said.

The facility includes simulation settings for trauma care, a nursery, adult and pediatric wards, an emergency room, and an intensive care unit.

Students train on various medical cases, such as childbirth, gunshot wounds, and emergency resuscitations, using high-fidelity mannequins that mimic real patient responses, including vital sign changes and realistic bleeding.

Costiniano added that debriefing sessions allow students to review their performance and identify areas for improvement after each simulation.

Dr. Valerie Monique Franz V. Yap, co-chairman of the Clinical Skills and Medical Simulation Lab, highlighted the integration of the facility into the curriculum.

“We are trying to create a full hospital setup so they are already familiar with the process when they encounter clinical conditions,” Yap said.

The simulation center, years in the making, involved procuring mannequins from abroad and now features simulators covering surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and adult patient cases.

Dr. Ma. Socorro Manaloto, dean of CNU-VSMMC College of Medicine, credited the project’s realization to a P80 million budget allocation, with funding support from Sen. Pia Cayetano.

CNU secured approval for the College of Medicine’s proposal during the budget hearing.

Cayetano, who led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, reaffirmed her commitment to merging health and education advocacies.

She noted that the project stemmed from her work as Chair of the Committee on SDGs, Innovation, and Futures Thinking.

“Now, it's a reality, and we're one step closer to better healthcare for all,” Cayetano said, adding “I urge Cebu Normal and Vicente Sotto to work together to strengthen our Allied Health and Sciences.”

Dignitaries in attendance included former Senator Vicente Sotto III, Commission on Higher Education-Central Visayas (regional director Dr. Maura Consolacion Cristobal, CNU Vice President for Research, Publication, Innovation, Commercialization, and Extension Dr. Cristina Corcino, who represented CNU President Dr. Daniel Ariaso, Sr., and Cebu Provincial Board Member for the 2nd District Dr. Stanley Caminero, representing Cebu Gove. Gwendolyn Garcia.

Currently, the simulation center serves medical students from CNU Medical College, CNU nursing students, and VSMMC resident doctors.

Over 150 students from first to fourth-year levels will benefit from the facility.

Costiniano underscored the importance of simulation-based learning, stressing that it equips future doctors with essential clinical skills before they step into real-world medical settings.(MyTVCebu)

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• #Cebu Normal University-Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center Medical College
• #CNU-VSMMC
• #Medical Simulation Center
• #Dr. Joseph Brian Costiniano
• #Clinical Skills and Medical Simulation Lab