November 17, 2004

Dear Colleagues,

It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Dr. Betsy Hunt as the new and first director of the Johns Hopkins Simulation Center. This Center will bring together the latest technology in education using simulation, robotics, computerized mannequins, and "standardized" patients (actors) and is scheduled to open on the entire 8th floor of the Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center in 2006.

An assistant professor in the Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, Dr. Hunt is internationally recognized for her work in CPR simulation. Her associate directors in the Center will be Drs. John Shatzer and Randy Brown. This team will work with every educational program involving students (medical and nursing), residents, nurses, and practicing physicians (continuing medical education) to employ simulation as a way of enhancing the educational experience for trainees, promoting patient safety and fostering medical education research.

Dr. Hunt brings to this challenge the necessary experience and commitment. You may reach her at ehunt@jhmi.edu or 5-2393.

Sincerely,
David G. Nichols, M.D.
Vice Dean for Education