St. Luke’s Episcopal School Biomedical Science Program has created a full functioning clinical
skills and simulation lab. In addition to the interactive lectures and labs that are conducted by
area medical professionals, our students experience simulated immersion activities in our state
of the art facility. We have space for hospital, clinic, and triage simulation as well as a flexible
classroom and debriefing area. The lab is equipped with A/V capture technology for viewing in
the classroom during or after recording. Mannequin-based simulation as well as standardized
patient scenarios are demonstrated and practiced while students and instructors may also
observe skills practice from outside the room through glass walls. This type of learning
environment emulates those our students will encounter at the collegiate level if pursuing a
medical or health related degree.
Our current lab was designed with the help of the human simulation team at the University of
South Alabama. Following their recommendations, we have obtained equipment and supplies
through donations and grant funding that has allowed us to create many of the same
simulation and standardized patient labs and experiences usually not available until the
college level and then only in their particular area of study. In our Clinical Skills Lab students
practice suturing, starting IV’s, orthodontic impressions, spinal immobilization, casting, and
even canine dental exams and CPR! Recently we added a telemedicine component to our
already robust curriculum. While it is reminiscent of the 1960’s cartoon, The Jetsons,
telemedicine is now a reality in the healthcare industry. Rural medicine and healthcare is
improving in large part due to the use of this technological advancement. And with the onset
of the Covid Pandemic, most physicians turned to this technology to continue their practice
through the mandated quarantines. St. Luke’s was the first school in the state of Alabama to
implement its use into a high school curriculum.
