Foundation Board Visits STEPS and Explores Future Expansion

Members of the West Virginia University Foundation Board of Directors recently visited the Simulation Training and Education for Patient Safety (STEPS) Center to learn more about the impact of simulation-based education and the future direction of healthcare training at WVU.

The visit held special significance for STEPS as Foundation Board member Jo Ann Shaw and David Shaw returned to the center they have supported for many years. Their generosity and advocacy have played an important role in helping STEPS grow into one of the region's premier simulation and patient safety programs.

"Quite simply, STEPS would not exist in its current form without the tremendous support of David and Jo Ann Shaw," Dorian Williams, MD, associate dean for simulation and technology in medical education and medical director of STEPS, said. "It was a privilege to showcase both our current programs and our future vision while Jo Ann was visiting as a member of the Foundation Board."

During the tour, Board members visited simulation spaces throughout the center and learned how STEPS supports students, residents, faculty and healthcare professionals across multiple disciplines through simulation, clinical skills training, faculty development, patient safety initiatives and educational research. Today, STEPS supports more than 32,000 learner visits annually, a dramatic increase from its early years.

The group also toured the location of the planned STEPS expansion and discussed future initiatives designed to expand access to simulation-based education throughout West Virginia. Highlights included immersive learning environments, enhanced clinical skills training space and opportunities to further integrate simulation into healthcare education and practice.

Many of the innovations showcased during the visit were made possible through philanthropic support. From advanced educational technology to future expansion plans, philanthropy continues to play a critical role in helping STEPS strengthen healthcare education and improve patient safety. 

The visit offered Foundation Board members an opportunity to see firsthand how simulation-based education is preparing future healthcare professionals while supporting safer, higher-quality care for the people of West Virginia and beyond.