University of Pikeville receives Appalachian Regional Commission grant for clinical simulation lab

The University of Pikeville’s Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine has received a $400,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to enhance its clinical simulation lab facilities. The funding, which is made up of congressionally appropriated funds and distributed by the ARC to develop the workforce and community of the Appalachian region, will allow the university to upgrade its simulation equipment and acquire new supplies.

According to an article on the University of Pikeville’s website, Joe Kingery, D.O., MBA, FACOFP, FAAFP, who serves as the Dean of the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, was quoted as saying of the grant funding, “For nearly three decades, KYCOM has built a strong track record of preparing physicians who enter primary care and remain in rural communities. This ARC grant allows us to elevate our simulation training environment, providing advanced, realistic clinical experiences that enhance student competency and confidence. As we look toward thoughtful expansion of our class size, these enhanced simulation resources ensure we can grow while continuing to meet the healthcare workforce needs of Appalachia.”

Currently, KCOM’s simulation facilities are several years old and are in need of an upgrade in order to keep up with the technologies that are being used in healthcare facilities. The simulation facilities are used to provide medical students with clinical rotation opportunities in a controlled environment that will allow them to practice their clinical and decision making skills in a low-stakes setting. 

The grant funding will allow for the simulation tools to be upgraded, as well as to purchase additional tools and supplies for the programs that make use of the simulation spaces. Every program will have the new simulation tools incorporated into its curriculum. The additional simulation equipment will also allow for the expansion of class sizes, giving the university the opportunity to educate even more future physicians and healthcare workers.

For more information about the University of Pikeville, visit the school’s website.