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Medical students at Johns Hopkins University Hospital are fine-tuning their skills to be better prepared for their real patients by using computerized mannequins.
Molly's chest rises and falls with breath, her pulse can be felt, and her vital signs appear normal on a monitor. The only thing different about this patient is that she's a computerized mannequin.
"We have Noelle, she can deliver a baby or two and what's nice to have a team resuscitate Noelle and another team to resuscitate the infant," said Dr. Betsy Hunt, Director of the Simulation Center at Johns Hopkins.
In two operating rooms and two intensive care units, medical students, nurses and residents practice resuscitating babies, intubating patients and communicating before they take their turn on real patients.
"This is a place for them to make mistakes that they really don't want to make on humans , we know they're smart and well-intended- but if they make mistakes this is a safe place," said Dr. Hunt.
The mannequins are controlled in an observation room where the procedures are filmed. Instructors use the tapes to point out where their students can improve.
"I think it's a great opportunity to videotape and then have opportunity to go back, look at what you just did, and say oh I didn't realize I did that and maybe I can do it better the next time," said third year fellow Lola Stavroudis.
The center also pays actors to play characters with designated conditions so doctors can practice routine exams and breaking bad news.
"And you get to develop acting skills, improve skills and at same time make difference in medical community," said actor Neva Krauss.
The center opened in March and has at least 30 students every day. All of the equipment in the stimulation center is real and is the exact model used in the hospital.
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