WVU Physician Assistant Studies students participate in ECMO simulation

Students in the Physician Assistant Studies program at the WVU School of Medicine gained hands-on experience in an advanced practice setting through a simulation conducted by experts from the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute (HVI).

During a simulation held at the David and Jo Ann Shaw Center for Simulation Training and Education for Patient Safety (STEPS), students had the opportunity to learn about one of the most complex and life-saving technologies available today -- Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO).

ECMO is a life-support machine used when treating patients with life-threatening heart or breathing problems. When a patient’s heart is not pumping enough blood or their lungs aren’t providing enough oxygen, ECMO is used to assist those organs while giving their body a chance to rest.

The simulation, led by Jeremiah Hayanga, M.D., MPH, medical director of the WVU Physician Assistant Studies Program and director of the ECMO Program at the WVU HVI, and Penny Sappington, M.D., medical director of Transplant Critical Care at the WVU HVI, included an in-depth exploration of ECMO technology, practical scenarios replicating real-world challenges and an emphasis on interdisciplinary teamwork.

“I think it's important for all students of medicine to have these hands-on experiences because it's unmatched in comparison to reading a textbook,” said Anna Kurnot, a second-year student in the PA Studies program. “It allows us to go through the motions just like we would with a real patient without the risk. That way, when it comes to the real deal, we're more confident in our skills, and a confident clinician often puts patients at ease.”

After an overview of ECMO including fundamentals and physiology, indications, potential complications and monitoring parameters, students were given a hypothetical case of a critically ill patient requiring ECMO. With the direction of Drs. Hayanga and Sappington and other members of the ECMO team, students used ultrasound to guide ECMO catheter placement in a manikin, simulating the treatment of a patient with respiratory and/or cardiac failure.

Following the in-room simulation, students were presented with common complications they had to problem-solve.

“The students gained practical, transferable skills that will enhance their clinical knowledge and preparedness for high-stakes medical situations,” said Forrest Olgers, MBA, PA-C, director of clinical education. “The WVU Medicine ECMO program team's ability to demystify this sophisticated technology and create a dynamic, interactive learning environment underscores their extraordinary aptitude as educators.”

To learn more about the PA Studies program, visit medicine.wvu.edu/ physician-assistant-studies/.