CHCS Perspectives Summer/Fall 2013

PERSPECTIVES • SUMMER-FALL 2013 – Page 19 T he CHCS Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA) Program was on- site at the 2013 Healthcare Career Symposium at Inlet Grove High School in Riviera Beach, Florida, that took place on April 6. The inaugural event, which was initiated by the T Leroy Jefferson Medical Society, attracted a large number of in- dividuals who were in attendance to support the efforts of commu- nity organizers with hands-on demonstrations and workshops for participating middle and high school students interested in pursuing health care careers. During the symposium, faculty members from NSU’s Anes- thesiologist Assistant Program demonstrated advanced simulation technology, which allowed the participants to view Pedi , an ad- vanced simulator with the average weight and body type of a child. The lifelike and life-size simulator model is one of the mechanized mannequins the AA Program uses to train its students as an adjunct to didactic curriculum, allowing the program to better prepare them for clinical rotations and Advanced Cardiac Life Support. The students were able to assess Pedi’s vital signs through two full-color LCD screens that highlighted important physiological variations that take place with the induction, maintenance, and emergence of anesthesia. The students were also shown how to use video-assisted laryngoscopy and were allowed to assist in the prepa- ration of Pedi for surgery. “The students were thoroughly engaged with the simulator and had a chance to participate in a unique experience with our pro- gram alongside other exhibitors,” said Jermaine Leclerc, AA-C, as- sistant professor. “I simply explained to them that anesthesiologist assistants function under the direction of an anesthesiologist and are part of an elite team of individuals who take care of patients every day in the most complicated settings. They were fascinated with the technology, and I am sure our program made a strong im- pression on all who attended.” Fort Lauderdale ANESTHESIOLOGIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM in Action ANESTHESIOLOGIST ASSISTANT