April 24, 2015

Clearly the patient wasn’t doing well. In addition to blue lips and dilated pupils, a persistent beep highlighted the plummeting traces of the vital signs on the overhead monitors.

Those nearest in the room responded quickly and calmly. As a retired ophthalmologist began chest compressions an anesthesiologist moved to the head, carefully placed an endotracheal tube and attached it to a ventilator.

Gradually the patient stabilized. The reassuring hum of the ventilator replaced the shrillness of the monitor alarms. The vital sign traces began to look more like Mt. Hood and less like the entire Himalayan range. Satisfied, the first responders stepped away. There was a round of applause.

“Nice work,” said the simulation director as she switched off the manikin.

This mock procedure, held in OHSU’s new Simulation Center in the Collaborative Life Sciences Building, was just one of the hands-on experiences offered to guests at the recent 1887 Society reception.  The full tour included an operating room, a birthing suite and exam rooms where standardized patient actors model complaints and diseases to help prepare students for effective and reassuring patient interactions. A number of current medical students accompanied the groups as they toured two of the Center’s three floors.

“This is a quantum leap above anything I have seen before,” said Robert J. Laird, M.D. ’68, 1887 Society member and one of nearly 60 guests attending the event. “We used to use each other to place gastric tubes and practice venipunctures. Now you have a place where faculty can construct a controlled but incredibly real situation and students can practice as often as they need.” 

“As friends and members of the 1887 Society, your contributions are invaluable,” said Dean Mark Richardson at a reception preceding the tours. “As you will see and hear, your investments of time, expertise and financial support make such a difference in our students’ lives.”

For more information about membership in the 1887 Society, please contact Sadie Williams at (503) 552-0689