Cornell Professor Demonstrates World’s First Canine Patient Simulator at Stanbridge College

IRVINE, Calif. - Nov. 18, 2014 - PRLog -- Stanbridge College last week welcomed Dr. Daniel Fletcher, DVM, of Cornell University's College of Veterinary Sciences, and the first high-fidelity canine patient simulator in the world. Under Dr. Fletcher's guidance, Stanbridge College students trained with the simulator to learn the proper procedures and techniques for administering CPR on a canine with real-time physiological feedback.

“One of the things that impressed me during my visit to Stanbridge College is that there is a very well established simulation program for it's human patient care training programs," stated Dr. Daniel Fletcher. "I think that as a school that already has a lot of experience in that realm, Stanbridge is distinctly set up to move in this direction for veterinary technology training which is a really unique opportunity for it’s students."

Dr. Fletcher continued, "The Stanbridge College students had an opportunity to run CPR scenarios with the canine simulator. I think the real benefit of this training is that it allows the students to be in charge. They have to make clinical decisions and get to see results of those decisions. They get to make mistakes and learn from those mistakes."

President of Stanbridge College, Mr. Yasith Weerasuryia stated, “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Fletcher to our campus and make his innovation accessible to students in our Veterinary Technology program. Because of his passion, talent and skills, we are able to provide our students with exposure to cutting-edge technology in real-world patient care simulation for veterinary science.”

Combining his PhD in Bioengineering and his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Fletcher designed a canine patient manikin to allow veterinary and veterinary technology students to practice making clinical decisions and see the results in real-time within a safe environment for them and the animals they would be treating.

The manikins replicate scenarios including heart and lung sounds, pulses that can be palpated and other functions that could occur during anesthesia such as changes in oxygen levels, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. These changes trigger alarms and reactions for students to troubleshoot. The manikin can relay physiological feedback to a student and also collect data about what the student is doing to provide feedback to the student for evaluation.

In August of 2013, Stanbridge College launched its Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology degree program, the first in Orange County. The program prepares students to receive their licensure to work under the supervision of a veterinarian, providing medical assistance in animal hospitals, shelters, research, or zoos. Students train on live and simulated animals to learn about the different kinds of animals and their breeds.  In addition to a fully simulated Surgical Suite, X-ray room and examination skills lab on campus, Veterinary Technician students train in shelters and clinics around Orange County for hands-on experience.

Earlier this year, the program hosted its first Pet Exam and Vaccine Clinic on-site at its Veterinary Technology Skills Lab to provide discounted services and vaccines to dogs from the Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California and pets from the public.

To learn more about Stanbridge College, please visit www.stanbridge.edu.