ACC designates USF Health CAMLS as first Center of Excellence in Education and Training

The American College of Cardiology has designated the USF Health Center of Advanced Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) as its first Center of Excellence in Education and Training.

USF Health held the grand opening for its $38 million CAMLS facility in downtown Tampa on March 30. The 90,000 square foot building brings an unprecedented level of technical and teamwork training, simulation and competence assessment under one roof, as well as significant research and device innovation capability.

Among the unique features at CAMLS will be the first hybrid catheterization lab used exclusively for training in the world. The hybrid OR allows health professionals to do both minimally invasive and open surgical procedures in the same operating room, a significant safety benefit for patients.

"The American College of Cardiology is honored to designate CAMLS as our first Center of Excellence in Education and Training," said ACC CEO Jack Lewin, MD. "CAMLS is leading the way in innovative health technology through the world's first ever hybrid catheterization laboratory that will be used exclusively for training purposes.

"The ACC is thrilled to be a part of this new simulation program; it benefits the entire catheterization team from nurses and pharmacists to doctors," Dr. Lewin said. "The type of personalized training offered through the new center will allow our physicians to continue on the path of advancement in quality cardiovascular care leading to better outcomes for patients."

The ACC designation is in recognition of the realistic education and training facility offered at CAMLS and the broad-based curricula and relevant institutional and program accreditations obtained by USF Health on behalf of CAMLS.

"We're really excited about our affiliation with the American College of Cardiology and what this partnership means for improving patient outcomes and reducing medical errors," said Deborah Sutherland, PhD, CEO of CAMLS. "We look forward to working with the ACC to develop a host of events for cardiologists and other health professionals working in the cardiology area over the coming years."