Hospital Simulations Give Students Hands-on Practice

It may have been a simulation, but it sure felt like the real thing! That is what our Honors Biology students experienced during a recent field trip to the Center for Education, Simulation, and Innovation (CESI) at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut.

What an opportunity for these Saints! According to the Hartford Healthcare website, “CESI is an international destination for training, education, and medical device development. At nearly 50,000 square feet, CESI is among the largest and best-equipped medical simulation centers in the country.” And Canterbury students were beyond excited to try out its many interactive features.

“The trip not only showed us how to perform CPR, use a surgical robot, and deliver a baby properly, but the doctors also taught us important life skills like patience, consistency, and loving your job,” said Miguel Garcia ’26. “I found it all incredibly interesting and will never forget how the simulation baby felt in my hands after the simulation mom gave birth. 

The state-of-the-art facility includes a Bio-Skills Wet Lab for conducting research and development, preclinical testing, and hands-on training; Clinical Simulation Labs to learn and practice patient assessment, clinical decision-making, and working as a team; and high-tech classroom and lecture spaces.

Science Department Chair Cammy Roffe P ’12, ’15 was delighted with how much her class was able to learn and practice. “Students used medical-grade training simulators, including mannequins, to deliver a baby and see how that works,” she said. “They also practiced laparoscopic surgery, learned CPR, and used heavy-duty simulator software. It was a very engaging program.”

Kaelyn Darrin ’26 was also quick to share her enthusiasm about the CESI trip. “The visit was exciting and something I would love to do again,” she said. “It was amazing to learn from and use the simulation and technology pieces that actual doctors are taught on!”

To the doctors and staff at Hartford Hospital—THANK YOU for giving our biology students such a memorable learning experience.