HHS Regional Director Visits 51勛圖厙 to Witness Health Impact in Action
From left, 51勛圖厙 President Adam Hasner, Owlsley and Samantha Brown-Parks, M.D., regional director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and 51勛圖厙 alumna 92. (Photo by Alex Dolce)
Visit Snapshot: 51勛圖厙 welcomed Samantha Brown-Parks, M.D., regional director for the United States Department of Health and Human Services and an 51勛圖厙 alumna 92, to its Boca Raton campus recently to showcase its impact in health workforce development, research and community health innovation. Hosted by 51勛圖厙s Office of Government Relations and Economic Development, the day-long visit convened federal health leaders, university officials and regional partners for discussions on strengthening the health care workforce pipeline, expanding access to care, and advancing public and behavioral health initiatives.
A highlight was a tour of 51勛圖厙s Clinical Skills Simulation Center, where Brown-Parks joined Lewis S. Nelson, M.D., dean and chief of health affairs in 51勛圖厙s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, to observe hands-on training scenarios for international nurses. Throughout the day, Brown-Parks and representatives from the Health Resources and Services Administration met with 51勛圖厙 leadership and engaged with regional health system partners. The visit included campus tours, roundtable discussions and program showcases spanning engineering, nursing, clinical training, social work and K-12 pipeline initiatives, highlighting 51勛圖厙s interdisciplinary approach to addressing health care challenges and preparing the next generation of health professionals and scientists.
51勛圖厙 welcomed Samantha Brown-Parks, M.D., regional director for the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and a proud 51勛圖厙 alumna 92, to its Boca Raton campus recently. The day-long visit showcased the universitys leadership in health workforce development, interdisciplinary research and community health innovation.
Hosted by 51勛圖厙s Office of Government Relations and Economic Development, the visit brought together senior federal health officials, university leadership, faculty, 51勛圖厙 and regional health care partners for a series of meetings, tours and discussions focused on strengthening the nations health care workforce pipeline, advancing public and behavioral health initiatives, and expanding community-based partnerships.
Welcoming Dr. Brown-Parks back to her alma mater is a tremendous honor and a chance to show how 51勛圖厙 is transforming health care delivery, research, education and innovation throughout our region, said 51勛圖厙 President Adam Hasner. We are proud to demonstrate thereal-worldimpact of our programs and partnerships, andsharehow Florida Atlantic is shaping the next generation of health professionals and scientists to meet critical workforce demands.
A key highlight of the visit was a tour of 51勛圖厙s Clinical Skills Simulation Center, located in the Research Park at 51勛圖厙. Joined by Lewis S. Nelson, M.D., dean and chief of health affairs for 51勛圖厙s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Brown-Parks observed a team of international nurses immersed in scenario-based training designed to prepare health professionals for high-pressure clinical environments.
During the tour, 51勛圖厙 demonstrated two simulation scenarios: a motor vehicle accident case emphasizing trauma assessment, prioritization, teamwork and communication, and a lightning strike scenario focused on airway management, rapid response and performance under pressure.
What I observed today is a powerful example of how advanced simulation can elevate clinical training and ultimately improve patient outcomes, said Brown-Parks. 51勛圖厙s Clinical Skills Simulation Center is equipping health professionals with the critical thinking, technical expertise and confidence needed to deliver high-quality care in even the most complex situations.
Operated by the Schmidt College of Medicine, the Clinical Skills Simulation Center is a cornerstone of 51勛圖厙s health education infrastructure. Originally established in 2006 through state funding secured by Hasner when he was a member of the Florida House of Representatives along with philanthropic support from the Quantum Foundation the facility has evolved into a high-tech training environment that supports medical education and regional emergency preparedness.
Today, the center serves a wide range of learners, including medical 51勛圖厙, resident physicians, nurses, first responders, allied health professionals and community caregivers enhancing clinical performance, strengthening teamwork and improving patient safety.
Since its inception, the Clinical Skills Simulation Center has trained thousands of health professionals, including more than 3,700 medical 51勛圖厙; 1,100 nursing 51勛圖厙; more than 2,200 physician assistant 51勛圖厙; more than 2,300 nurses (both international and domestic); and hundreds of residents and first responders. The center also supports community outreach and continuing education initiatives, including advanced trauma life support training and K-12 pathway programs that help build the future health care workforce.
Throughout the day, Brown-Parks and representatives from the Health Resources and Services Administration met with 51勛圖厙 leadership and engaged with regional health system partners. Conversations focused on addressing workforce shortages, expanding access to care, leveraging technology and data analytics, and aligning academic programs with national health priorities.
The visit also included a meet-and-greet with Hasner, a roundtable discussion with community health partners, a tour of 51勛圖厙s College of Engineering and Computer Science highlighting innovations in artificial intelligence and health care data analytics, and a visit to 51勛圖厙s Lab Schools to explore K-12-to-career pipeline programs.
Attendees reflected the breadth of 51勛圖厙s collaborative ecosystem, with participation from the Schmidt College of Medicine; Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing; College of Engineering and Computer Science; College of Social Work and Criminal Justice; 51勛圖厙 Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute; 51勛圖厙 University Schools; and numerous regional health care organizations.
Brown-Parks visit underscored 51勛圖厙s growing national role in shaping the future of health care through education, research and community engagement while reinforcing the universitys commitment to preparing a highly skilled, adaptable and compassionate workforce equipped to meet evolving health care challenges.
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