Smart Hospital Simulation Technology Manager Joins Ranks of 25 Advanced Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialists Worldwide

Monday, May 10, 2021

Erica Hinojosa, the simulation technology manager for The University of Texas at Arlington’s Smart Hospital, has joined the ranks of an elite group of 25 certified advanced healthcare simulation operations specialists across the globe. The distinction sets Hinojosa apart as an expert in the field of healthcare simulation.

 

“For me, this is really exciting to be able to showcase my expertise and that we are just as competitive as other industries when it comes to simulation,” shared Hinojosa. “It is also validating and exciting to showcase my leadership and the impact I have to influence and advocate for simulation.”

 

Hinojosa received her Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist-Advanced (CHSOS-A) certification by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare this year and currently oversees the day-to-day operations of the simulation technicians in the Smart Hospital. The simulations vary greatly and bring some of the most cutting-edge healthcare simulation technology to UTA. Notable among the simulations is the birthing simulator’s automatic delivery module, where a patient simulator is able to deliver a baby on her own allowing students to train and practice what that experience would be like in real-life. The Smart Hospital can run thousands of tailored simulations based on the classroom and experience level of participants. 

 

“We are very fortunate to have someone so talented and driven like Erica on our team. She brings innovation to the forefront in a very advance field and always embraces changes head on,” shared Jennifer Roye, assistant dean for simulation and technology in the College. “What an exciting honor for Erica, we are so proud of her at the Smart Hospital.”

 

The CHSOS-A distinguishes those who have proven themselves to be advanced operations specialists in their practice in healthcare simulation and serve as mentors and examples to others in the field. Hinojosa joined the first group of individuals to be granted this certification that recognizes those who have influenced the healthcare simulation community beyond their own institution.

 

“The timing is also perfect, as we prepare for the new Smart Hospital, that is currently under construction,” shared Hinojosa.

 

In February, UTA broke ground on a $76 million facility that will usher in critical advancements in the field of health care, bringing together the University’s celebrated School of Social Work and the College of Nursing and Health Innovation’s Smart Hospital. The 150,000-square-foot facility will be a state-of-the-art space that will house the new Smart Hospital and bring improved simulation learning to students.