By Andrew Skerritt
Florida A&M University (FAMU), together with HCA Florida Healthcare, the state’s leading healthcare provider, on Friday celebrated the naming of the HCA Florida Healthcare School of Allied Health Sciences (SOAHS) Multidisciplinary Simulation Lab.
The naming ceremony signifies the strong partnership and commitment between both organizations to continue advancing healthcare career opportunities for the next generation of healthcare leaders. The naming of the sim lab was announced as part of the $1.5 million gift that HCA Healthcare granted FAMU SOAHS in 2021.
Speaking at the event, FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., said the SOAHS programs are among the priority areas set by the Florida Board of Governors. The simulation lab, which was paid for with Title III funds, is a significant asset in helping produce graduates in demand in Florida and nationwide.
“The Simulation Laboratory has been instrumental in the School of Allied Health Sciences students’ success and faculty development. Our clinical programs have been successful on the licensure exam,” Robinson said.
Cardiopulmonary Science has a pass rate of 100 percent first time over a three-year average; Occupational Therapy first time -88 percent first-time; and Physical Therapy has a 91 percent overall two-year pass rate.
“This speaks volumes to the positive impact that simulation practice has on students upon graduation,” Robinson said. “This is a partnership built for success.”
The partnership is part of HCA Healthcare’s broader commitment announced in 2021 to give $10 million over the next three years to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) to advance diversity in health care.
“HCA Healthcare and its affiliate, HCA Florida Capital Hospital, have a longstanding and deeply rooted partnership with FAMU,” said Dr. Monique Butler, Chief Medical Officer, HCA Healthcare North Florida Division. “We are proud to partner with a leading university and provide career and scholarship opportunities for students, which allows us to make a positive impact in the communities we serve.”
The partnership between FAMU and HCA Florida Healthcare has long paid dividends. FAMU nursing students were assigned to HCA Florida Capital Hospital recently after Tallahassee Memorial Hospital was hamstrung by internet issues. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, FAMU loaned ventilation equipment to HCA Florida Capital Hospital.
