CAMLS Faculty & Researchers
Meet Our Assistant Directors & Program Leads
Our Assistant Directors & Program Leads play a key role in advancing CAMLS’ educational mission. They lead program development, support faculty, enhance curriculum, drive quality improvement, and build strategic partnerships. Through innovation and collaboration, they shape high-impact learning experiences and ensure program excellence. Learn more about their expertise and contributions below.
Dr. Luis E. Llerena is a distinguished trauma surgeon, surgical educator, and healthcare simulation expert dedicated to advancing trauma and critical care education. In his role overseeing Trauma & Surgical Care Programs, he leads training programs that prepare healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality, life-saving care.
Dr. Llerena oversees a suite of trauma and surgical critical care courses at CAMLS, including Advanced Trauma Operative Management (ATOM), Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposure in Trauma (ASSET), Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), Fundamental Critical Care Support (FCCS), and Disaster Management and Emergency Preparedness (DMEP). As a Course Director and faculty member, he has been instrumental in developing curricula that integrate best practices, surgical techniques, and simulation-based training, enhancing clinical performance in high-stakes environments.
A Professor of Surgery at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Medical Director of USF Health CAMLS, Dr. Llerena also serves as Surgical Director of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Accredited Educational Institute (AEI) at CAMLS. He collaborates with faculty and stakeholders to incorporate emerging technologies, evidence-based instructional methods, and innovative simulation approaches into trauma education.
Beyond education, Dr. Llerena is actively engaged in federally funded research initiatives exploring extended reality training, simulation methodologies, and augmented reality applications in trauma education. His expertise contributes to cutting-edge training programs that enhance the preparedness of trauma and critical care providers.
A dedicated advocate for patient safety and trauma system improvements, Dr. Llerena holds leadership roles within the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (COT) and the Florida Committee on Trauma (FCOT). His work influences national trauma education policies and quality improvement initiatives.
Board-certified in Surgery and Surgical Critical Care, Dr. Llerena earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland and completed a fellowship in trauma and surgical critical care at Orlando Regional Medical Center. He is a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator – Advanced (CHSE-A), a TeamSTEPPS® master trainer, and a recognized leader in military medicine training, patient safety, and trauma education.
Through his leadership at USF Health CAMLS, Dr. Llerena continues to advance trauma and surgical critical care training, ensuring that healthcare professionals are equipped to provide exceptional, life-saving care.
Dr. Melissa Milner, DNP, MSN-Ed, RN, is a dedicated nursing educator, simulation expert, and healthcare leader committed to advancing clinical education through simulation-based training. In addition to her operational role as the Director of Clinical Simulation at USF Health’s Center for Advanced Medical Learning & Simulation (CAMLS), she also serves as the Assistant Director for Clinical Simulation & Nursing Programs, ensuring that healthcare professionals are prepared to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.
Dr. Milner oversees a portfolio of simulation-based nursing and clinical education programs at CAMLS, including CAMLS’ Simulation Facilitator Course, USF undergraduate courses in healthcare simulation, and internship programs. She has played a pivotal role in developing cutting-edge curricula that integrate best practices in simulation, clinical competency training, and interprofessional education, enhancing learning outcomes across diverse healthcare disciplines.
With over two decades of experience as a registered nurse, Dr. Milner brings extensive expertise in curriculum development, faculty training, and healthcare workforce development. She has been instrumental in shaping the nation’s first undergraduate concentration in Healthcare Simulation Operations, positioning USF as a leader in this emerging field. Her commitment to bridging the gap between academic instruction and clinical application ensures that students and professionals alike gain the skills needed to excel in complex healthcare environments.
A passionate advocate for innovation in nursing and clinical education, Dr. Milner collaborates with faculty, instructional designers, and healthcare professionals to integrate emerging technologies, evidence-based instructional methods, and simulation best practices into healthcare training. She has led initiatives that enhance debriefing strategies, scenario development, and faculty competency in simulation-based education, strengthening the impact of experiential learning at CAMLS.
Beyond her leadership in education, Dr. Milner is actively engaged in research and professional development. She has contributed to publications and presentations on simulation methodologies, faculty development, and nursing education trends. She is a member of the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) and the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH), where she collaborates with national and global leaders in simulation-based training.
Dr. Milner holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Education/Leadership from Regis University, a Master of Science in Nursing, and a Post Master’s Certificate in Health Care Education. Through her leadership at USF Health CAMLS, she continues to drive excellence in nursing education and clinical simulation, ensuring that future healthcare professionals are equipped to provide safe, effective, and compassionate patient care.
Dr. Haru Okuda, MD, FACEP, FSSH, is an internationally recognized leader in interprofessional education and healthcare simulation, dedicated to transforming how healthcare professionals learn to work together. In his roles at USF Health and CAMLS, he leads initiatives that prepare students and healthcare providers to collaborate effectively in real-world clinical environments.
Interprofessional education (IPE) is at the heart of his work, recognizing that high-quality patient care relies on seamless teamwork among diverse healthcare professionals. Through programs like Interprofessional Education (IPE) Day, he fosters meaningful collaboration between students from medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and rehabilitation sciences. Under his leadership, IPE Day has grown into an immersive, large-scale event where learners engage in interactive case scenarios, structured debriefing, and critical teamwork exercises, ensuring they graduate with the skills necessary to provide safe, coordinated, and patient-centered care.
Another key initiative under his direction is the Healthcare Superteams program, which brings interprofessional groups together for simulation-based training in crisis management, communication, and leadership. By recreating the complexity of healthcare delivery through advanced simulation and expert-facilitated discussions, this program equips teams with the tools to function cohesively, improving clinical performance, patient safety, and system-wide efficiency.
As a Professor at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Associate Vice President for Interprofessional Education & Practice at USF Health, he works closely with faculty and institutional leaders to embed team-based learning and collaborative practice into healthcare curricula. His efforts extend beyond the classroom through initiatives like the monthly IPE simulation webinar series, which provides ongoing education in conflict resolution, interprofessional communication, and collaborative problem-solving for practicing healthcare professionals.
With extensive expertise in healthcare simulation, program development, and real-world interprofessional collaboration, he is the ideal leader to advance IPE initiatives at CAMLS and across USF Health. His vision ensures that students and professionals alike gain the necessary competencies to navigate today’s complex healthcare landscape, reducing medical errors, improving patient outcomes, and fostering a culture of shared decision-making.
Through his leadership at USF Health CAMLS, he continues to shape the future of interprofessional education and practice, ensuring that the next generation of healthcare professionals is prepared to deliver high-quality, team-based care in an ever-evolving healthcare system.
Learn more about CAMLS’ Interprofessional Education & Practice Programs
Dr. Normaliz Rodriguez, MD, FAAP, is a leader in medical simulation and pediatric emergency medicine, dedicated to advancing international fellowships and emergency medicine training at USF Health’s Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS). As Assistant Director of International Fellowships and Emergency Medicine, she develops high-impact educational programs to enhance clinical training worldwide.
She serves as the Fellowship Director of Medical Simulation, mentoring fellows in integrating simulation-based methodologies into emergency medicine training, and as Director of Simulation for the Department of Emergency Medicine, overseeing the implementation of cutting-edge simulation technologies to improve patient safety and clinical performance.
Dr. Rodriguez is also an Assistant Professor at the Morsani College of Medicine, shaping the next generation of healthcare providers. Her expertise in pediatric emergency medicine, healthcare consulting, and medical simulation drives innovative educational strategies that bridge clinical practice and simulation-based learning.
Committed to global medical education, she collaborates with institutions to design and implement programs that provide immersive training experiences for healthcare professionals of diverse backgrounds. She is on the executive board of the International Network of Simulation-based Research and Education (INSPIRE) and serves as Associate Chair of the International Pediatric Simulation Society(IPSS) – INSPIRE Simulation Fellowship.
In addition to her academic and leadership roles, Dr. Rodriguez is a practicing Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician at Tampa General Hospital. Her fellowship training in medical simulation and her prior experience at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital further strengthen her expertise in integrating technology-driven education into various fields.
She earned her Doctor of Medicine from the Universidad Central del Caribe, completed a Pediatric Residency at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, and a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship at Children’s Minnesota. Her passion for simulation, international education, and emergency medicine continues to shape medical training at USF Health CAMLS and beyond.
Learn more about CAMLS’ Interprofessional Fellowship
Dr. Eric S. Weinstein, MD, MScDM, is a highly experienced Disaster Medicine Physician with a distinguished career at the intersection of healthcare, disaster preparedness, and emergency response. His academic foundation began with a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Tulane University, followed by his Medical Doctor degree from UMDNJ-Rutgers at Camden. He further specialized in emergency care through a USAF-sponsored residency in Emergency Medicine at Metropolitan Hospital in New York City. To enhance his expertise in disaster preparedness, Dr. Weinstein earned a Master of Science in Disaster Medicine (MScDM) from Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale in Italy.
Dr. Weinstein serves as the Co-Course Director for CAMLS’ Mass Casualty Incident Training (MCIT) course, where he brings his vast expertise to educate healthcare professionals on mass casualty response. In collaboration with CRIMEDIM—Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid, and Global Health—Dr. Weinstein has also provided critical training for mass casualty incidents (MCIs) for security and clinical staff at the United Nations in New York City.
In his career, Dr. Weinstein has played a pivotal role in disaster response efforts, holding key leadership positions. He has served as Team Leader of the South Carolina Disaster Medical Assistance Team (SC-1 DMAT) and as Medical Director of the South Carolina Emergency Response Task Force. Currently, he serves as an Attending Physician with Team Rubicon, a WHO EMT-1 Mobile unit, actively responding to global crises.
Dr. Weinstein’s impact extends beyond field operations to disaster medicine education and scholarly work. He has been an influential faculty member in the European Master in Disaster Medicine program, training future leaders in disaster response. His prolific academic contributions include over 30 published articles and numerous textbook chapters. He has also served as a Section Editor for Ciottone’s Disaster Medicine textbook and as Deputy Editor for the Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness journal.
As the Assistant Director of Disaster Medicine Programs at CAMLS, Dr. Weinstein continues to lead initiatives that improve disaster preparedness, response, and education, making a significant contribution to the advancement of the field.
Faculty website- https://health.usf.edu/medicine/emergency/faculty/ericsweinstein
Meet Our Researchers
CAMLS’ Researchers are at the forefront of advancing healthcare simulation and translational research. They drive innovation, improve patient outcomes, and enhance clinical training through evidence-based studies. Collaborating across disciplines, they explore emerging technologies, optimize simulation methodologies, and address critical gaps in healthcare education and practice. Their work informs best practices, supports workforce development, and strengthens CAMLS’ mission to transform healthcare through research and education. Learn more about their expertise and ongoing projects below.
As a Senior Human Factors Scientist at the University of South Florida’s Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Education, my work is dedicated to advancing healthcare education through simulation-based training. My research focuses on leveraging technologies to increase learning outcomes, thereby improving the access to and quality of healthcare training.
I have made significant scholarly contributions to the field of immersive training technologies. My efforts have secured over $2 million in research grants, resulting in numerous peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences. My success in obtaining funding has enabled collaborations with diverse institutions, including with government organizations, small businesses, and academic medical centers. These collaborations extend my work beyond academia into practical applications and industry advancements.
My commitment to service and advancing human factors is demonstrated through my mentoring activities, where I frequently share my expertise through invited talks at universities, hospital health professions programs, and medical associations nationwide. I mentor a diverse group of students, including medical students, biomedical engineering doctoral candidates, and graduate students in computer science, instructional design, and psychology, leading to numerous international presentations and peer-reviewed publications in healthcare simulation.
Dr. Amy E. Brown is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and an esteemed educator at the University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine. With a commitment to advancing women’s health, medical education, and simulation-based training, Dr. Brown has made significant contributions to clinical practice, academic leadership, and research.
Dr. Brown earned her Doctor of Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina, following a Bachelor of Science in Biological Anthropology and Anatomy with Distinction from Duke University. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she served as Administrative Chief Resident and received multiple awards for excellence in medical education and ultrasonography. She has been recognized with honors such as the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award and the APGO Excellence in Teaching Award.
As an Associate Professor in the Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology at USF (effective August 2024), Dr. Brown plays a pivotal role in medical education. She currently serves as the Clerkship Director for the Women’s Health Clerkship, overseeing curriculum development and ensuring high-quality education for medical students. She has held leadership roles in the Surgery and Pediatrics Clerkships, contributing to interdisciplinary training and student mentorship.
Dr. Brown’s expertise extends into healthcare simulation and obstetric emergency training. She has been instrumental in developing and instructing simulation-based training programs for resident physicians and emergency medical personnel. Her involvement in projects such as the NIH-funded study on remote stereoscopic livestream technology highlights her dedication to enhancing medical training through innovative methodologies.
An active researcher, Dr. Brown has contributed to studies on contraception, family planning counseling, and the impact of menopause on cognitive function. She has published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at national and international conferences, and co-authored textbook chapters in gynecology and emergency obstetric care.
Beyond her academic and research endeavors, Dr. Brown is actively engaged in professional organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics. She also serves on the National Board of Medical Examiners Obstetrics and Gynecology Task Force and various USF committees dedicated to medical education and quality improvement.
With a passion for advancing medical education, improving patient outcomes, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Brown continues to shape the future of obstetrics and gynecology through her leadership, scholarship, and dedication to the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Faculty Website- https://health.usf.edu/medicine/obgyn/directories/education/amyb3
Colleen Reiner, EdM, PMP, is a leader in educational program development and research dissemination, with over 20 years of experience designing and implementing transformative learning initiatives. She specializes in developing workforce-aligned education programs, integrating emerging technologies into curriculum design, and translating research into scalable, high-impact learning solutions. Throughout her career, she has worked at the intersection of education, technology, and industry collaboration, ensuring that innovative educational strategies effectively bridge the gap between knowledge creation and real-world application.
As Director of Education & Research Administration at the University of South Florida’s (USF) Center for Advanced Medical Learning & Simulation (CAMLS), Colleen provides strategic leadership in developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs that support healthcare training, professional development, and workforce readiness. She has designed, launched, and managed a wide range of educational programs, including competency-based training courses, continuing education programs, and interdisciplinary learning initiatives that integrate simulation, instructional technologies, and experiential learning. Her expertise in curriculum development, faculty training, and instructional design ensures that educational programs are engaging, evidence-based, and aligned with workforce demands. She has successfully secured funding, developed partnerships, and led interdisciplinary teams to expand innovative learning opportunities across academic and professional settings.
In addition to her work in program development, Colleen is deeply committed to advancing creative methods of research dissemination, ensuring that federally funded projects reach diverse audiences and drive meaningful impact. She has pioneered open educational resources, including MOOCs, educational multimedia, and digital learning platforms, to translate complex research findings into accessible, engaging content for students, educators, and policymakers. Her work in immersive learning experiences, citizen science initiatives, and hands-on community activities has fostered interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing scientific discovery into public spaces and expanding its societal influence.
By integrating simulation-based education, digital storytelling, and transdisciplinary partnerships, she enhances the accessibility, sustainability, and applicability of research findings across sectors. These approaches not only amplify the reach of federally funded research but also equip learners with the technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills necessary for workforce development. Through her continued work in educational program development and research dissemination, Colleen remains dedicated to designing innovative learning experiences that prepare learners for the evolving demands of the future workforce.
Dr. Alan Todd, DNP, CRNA, CHSE, FAANA has been a practicing CRNA for over 20 years. He currently holds an academic appointment as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of South Florida College of Medicine and College of Nursing. Dr. Todd has held multiple leadership roles at the College of Nursing including Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Assistant Dean of Experiential Learning and Simulation and Assistant Program Director of the Nurse Anesthesiology Program. Dr. Todd is a recognized subject matter expert in simulation education, ultrasound guided regional anesthesia, perioperative diabetes care, obstetric anesthesia, and trauma anesthesia.
Dr. Todd served in the United States Air Force for 22 years. During his time in the military Dr. Todd deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and provided trauma anesthesia care to hundreds of wounded warriors. Dr. Todd also served as faculty at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda MD where he instructed and precepted military and civilian nurse anesthesiology students. Dr. Todd continues his service to the nurse anesthesiology profession as a Team Reviewer for Council of Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs and in 2021 served as Chair of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Simulation Subcommittee. In 2022, he was inducted as a Fellow in the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology to recognize his leadership and commitment to excellence in the profession of nurse anesthesiology.
Dr. Todd maintains a clinical practice as Chief Anesthetist for Sound Physicians at Coastal Orthopedic Surgery Center in Bradenton, Florida. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, traveling and spending time with his wife, three kids and his new granddaughter Cassidy!
Meet Our Expert Faculty
CAMLS’ Expert Faculty are distinguished leaders in healthcare education, clinical practice, and simulation-based training. Bringing a wealth of real-world experience, they design and deliver high-impact learning experiences that enhance clinical competency, improve patient safety, and drive innovation in healthcare education. Through mentorship, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration, they play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare training. Learn more about their expertise and contributions below.
Dr. Kenneth Courington is an Associate Professor of Trauma Surgery and Surgical Critical Care at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. With decades of experience in surgery and medical education, he plays a pivotal role in training future surgeons through simulation-based education at the USF Health Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS).
As the primary surgical simulation educator for the USF Department of Surgery, Dr. Courington leads comprehensive skills training for General Surgery residents, senior medical students, and surgical interest groups. He directs the weekly General Surgery Surgical Skills Sessions, preparing residents for the Fundamentals of Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgery (FES & FLS) exams. He also teaches the intensive Advanced Surgical Anatomy, Physiology, and Skills Course for fourth-year medical students entering surgical specialties and contributes significantly to the USF Surgery Clerkship.
Dr. Courington’s expertise extends beyond surgery, serving as a Doctoring II Preceptor for second-year medical students, an anatomy instructor for South University’s Physician Assistant Program, and an instructor in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), Fundamentals of Critical Care Support (FCCS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Disaster Life Support. His dedication to surgical education also benefits outside residency programs, as he provides FES and FLS training to general surgery residents from surrounding institutions.
A graduate of the University of Florida’s General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care programs, Dr. Courington spent over 15 years in private practice in Naples, Florida, before transitioning fully to academia. His extensive background in anatomy and cadaveric dissection has made him a sought-after educator in surgical training. He has been recognized with multiple teaching awards, including the University of Florida College of Medicine’s Basic Science Teacher of the Year Award in 2013.
Committed to advancing simulation-based education, Dr. Courington is currently preparing for the Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) exam. His passion for training the next generation of surgeons continues to shape the future of surgical education at USF and beyond.
Dr. Kimberly Fryer completed the University of North Carolina Training in Epidemiology and Clinical Trials Fellowship and a Master of Science in Clinical Research, which has afforded her a strong foundation in both quantitative and epidemiology research. During her position as Assistant Professor at the University of South Florida, she recruited women for studies that included exploring barriers to prenatal care, alternative prenatal models of care, and care for pregnant patients with opioid use disorder. She is currently an obstetric hospitalist working in Labor and Delivery and active with the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative. She is currently involved with CAMLS in teaching foundational clinical obstetrics and gynecology to advanced practice providers.
Dr. Emad Mikhail, MD, FACOG, FACS is a distinguished leader in minimally invasive gynecological surgery (MIGS), dedicated to advancing surgical techniques and education worldwide. For over a decade, he has been instrumental in shaping the MIGS course at the Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS), serving as course director for the past eight years. His teaching philosophy emphasizes expanding the scope of minimally invasive techniques in gynecological surgery, pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence in the field.
Dr. Mikhail’s courses utilize surgical videos and cadaveric dissections as core teaching tools, providing participants with an immersive learning experience that enhances their ability to manage complex cases. His extensive surgical background includes general surgery training abroad, an obstetrics and gynecology residency in the United States, and a fellowship in MIGS at the University of South Florida. These experiences have shaped his expertise, enabling him to deliver high-quality, hands-on surgical training at CAMLS.
A recognized expert in deep infiltrating endometriosis, Dr. Mikhail has authored over 45 peer-reviewed publications, contributed to multiple book chapters, and presented at national and international conferences. He has shared his innovative surgical techniques in the UK, Romania, Egypt, and Brazil, furthering global education in MIGS.
Dr. Mikhail’s contributions to surgical education have been widely recognized, earning him numerous prestigious accolades. In 2024, he was inducted as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society at the University of South Florida, a testament to his commitment to medical excellence and education. His expertise in minimally invasive gynecological surgery was further acknowledged in 2023 when he was named a Surgeon of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology by the Surgical Review Corporation. In 2021, he received the Mitchel Hoffman Surgical Educator Award from the USF OB/GYN Residency Program, recognizing his dedication to training the next generation of surgeons. That same year, he was honored as an inductee in the charter class of the Morsani College of Medicine Academy of Distinguished Educators, highlighting his lasting impact on medical education. As Medical Director of the Inpatient Gynecology Service at Tampa General Hospital, Dr. Mikhail continues to shape the field of complex benign gynecology through patient care, research, and education.
Courses:
CAMLS’ Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Course and Cadaver Lab
Dawn Schocken, MPH, is the Director of Experiential Learning & Simulation at the Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida (USF Health). A recognized leader in healthcare simulation and interprofessional education (IPE), Schocken has spent the past two decades shaping the future of experiential learning at USF Health.
Since joining USF Health in 2005, Schocken has been instrumental in integrating IPE into the curriculum, pioneering programs that promote collaboration across healthcare disciplines. Under her leadership, more than 90 hours of IPE training have been embedded throughout the medical school curriculum, and she has spearheaded the development of 15 interdisciplinary training modules. These modules immerse students in progressively complex patient cases, refining their skills in communication, triage, patient handoffs, and teamwork—ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
Schocken’s impact extends beyond IPE. She developed and expanded USF Health’s Standardized Patient (SP) Program, originally founded in 1995, into a comprehensive training platform utilized by the Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, and the School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training. Today, the program conducts over 60,000 student-patient interactions annually, providing hands-on clinical learning opportunities in a controlled, evaluative environment.
Her contributions to medical education and healthcare simulation have earned her significant recognition, including being named the inaugural recipient of the USF Health Interprofessional Practice Award in 2024. “Dawn has an outstanding history of leadership in advancing IPE at USF through her field, healthcare simulation,” said Dr. Charles J. Lockwood, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine.
Dr. Frederick L. Slone is a dedicated educator and leader in medical simulation, disaster medicine, and advanced clinical training at the University of South Florida (USF). With decades of experience in internal medicine and gastroenterology, he has played a pivotal role in integrating simulation-based education into medical training.
A pioneer in healthcare simulation, Dr. Slone was among the first to implement high-fidelity manikins at USF and contributed to the Society for Simulation in Healthcare’s seminal textbook, Defining Excellence in Simulation Programs. He was also in the inaugural group of Certified Healthcare Simulation Educators (CHSE) in 2015 and has maintained this certification ever since.
Dr. Slone is deeply involved in training medical students, residents, and physician assistants in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), utilizing high-fidelity simulation to create realistic clinical experiences. He also leads instruction in Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS), employing cutting-edge mixed-reality technology to enhance diagnostic training.
In disaster medicine, Dr. Slone holds board certification and serves on the American Board of Disaster Medicine. He has developed high-fidelity simulation scenarios for disaster response training and co-authored Mass Casualty Management in the Advanced Disaster Life Support course manual. His innovative disaster simulations have earned praise from trainees, including military personnel with real-world combat experience.
Expanding the frontiers of medical education, Dr. Slone is currently engaged in research on virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) applications in clinical training. His team is developing VR emergency case simulations to enhance preparedness for rare but critical medical events. Additionally, he is spearheading the integration of AI-driven standardized patients, enabling learners to practice clinical decision-making in a scalable, accessible format.
Throughout his career, Dr. Slone has remained committed to excellence in medical education, mentoring future healthcare professionals while advancing simulation and technology-driven training methodologies. His contributions continue to shape the future of interprofessional and experiential learning at USF and beyond.