Name:  The Simulation, Teaching and Academic Research (STAR) Center at West Penn Allegheny Health System

STAR Mission:  The Simulation, Teaching and Academic Research Center at West Penn Allegheny Health System is dedicated to excellence in patient care through the pursuit of life long learning, research and innovation

STAR Motto:  “I am still learning…” ––  Michelangelo

Grand Openings:  STAR Center Grand Opening – October 16, 2007; classes began September 4, 2007.  STAR Ambulance & Family Birthing/Neonatal Center Grand Opening – September 9, 2008

STAR Team:  Donald J. Wilfong, MD, Medical Director; Cindy Carlson, BA, Director of Administrative Operations; Donamarie N-Wilfong, RN, MSN, DNP(s), Director of Clinical Operations; Jewel L. McKinnon, BSN, RN, SANE(s), Education Specialist; Lawrence O’Leary, BA, Simulation Specialist; Joshua Franczyk, AT, Simulation Specialist; Benjamin Hosler, Simulation Specialist

STAR Simulators: One high-fidelity Leardal SimMan 3G manikin, two high-fidelity Laerdal SimMan manikins, four low-fidelity Laerdal Nurse Anne manikin, one Laerdal MegaCode Kid manikin, one Laerdal ALS Simulator, one Laerdal SimNewB, and one Gaumard Birthing Noelle.  The STAR Center is also home to several Task Trainers, body parts that teach specific skills.

Simulator Characteristics:  The simulators breathe, talk, bleed, cough and wheeze; have a blood pressure, heartbeat and pulse; and speak many languages fluently.

STAR Facilities:  Conference Room, Learning Center, Ambulance, Birthing Suite, Neonatal Intensive Care Suite, Nurses Station, four Simulation Stations, Teaching Station, two Full-Size Simulation Rooms, and Control Room

STAR Users:  The STAR Center trains nursing and allied health professionals, medical residents, practicing clinicians, researchers, first responders such as emergency medical technicians, schools, and organizations

Contact STAR:  The STAR Team can be contacted by e-mail at simulation@wpahs.org or by phone at (412) 578-4786 or (412) 578-4787.  Access more information online at our website www.wpahs.org/star