Julia Slayne ’18 Summer Internship at Boston Children’s Hospital Simulator Program

The Rivers School
Aug 22, 2017 · 2 min read

I have spent the last several weeks as an intern at the Boston Children’s Hospital Simulator Program. The program uses life-like mannequins to better prepare doctors, nurses, or parents for medical procedures they may encounter. The mannequins breathe, have chest sounds, a pulse, tubes for IVs, and vital signs. All of these, as well as other adaptations depending of the mannequin, can be monitored and changed based on the scenario. The engineers are able to replicate scenarios for a wide variety of medical conditions that can occur. Many of the visiting fellows and residents are placed in hospital settings with little to no experience in actual medical procedures. No one wants a doctor to try a procedure on their child for the first time. The simulation lab provides an opportunity for doctors to experience these situations without the high stakes of a real patient.

The program consists of two locations. I mainly work in the office where the actual simulations take place. At the other location, engineers work with 3D printers to replicate a patient’s anatomy so their doctor can practice specific procedures. The engineers also create other products that can be used in simulations.

My average day includes a wide variety of activities. I spend a lot of my time observing the actual simulations and medical procedures. I also help the engineers prepare the simulation rooms and mannequins as well as help with the training itself. Recently I observed an Orthopedic Boot Camp where residents were able to practice skills such as scoliosis surgery, putting on and removing a cast without burning the patients, and using rods and screws to stabilize hip and elbow fractures. I also learned about different measures taken to provide oxygen to a patient from one of the respiratory therapists who practiced his lesson with me before the students arrived. I learned how to use a nose cannula, ambu bag, and an anesthesia bag. I even got to practice intubating a baby.

In the upcoming weeks, I am excited to learn how to run a simulation as I design my own for a procedure of my choosing. I will also be able to shadow one of the ICU doctors for a day to learn how real situations may differ from the simulations. I am grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in the field of medicine and learn so much about the career I hope to someday pursue.

The Rivers School

The Rivers School is a coeducational, college preparatory day school for students in grades 6 through 12.

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The Rivers School

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The Rivers School is a coeducational, college preparatory day school for students in grades 6 through 12.

The Rivers School

The Rivers School is a coeducational, college preparatory day school for students in grades 6 through 12.

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