November 19, 2015

Mannequins designed for scenario-based training in the medical field; lifelike arms with multiple veins for intravenous (IV) therapy; and an intuitive patient monitor to help students familiarize themselves with reading pulses and treating clients – they are all examples of the new equipment that students in the nursing programs at Medicine Hat College (MHC) have access to thanks to the Rodgers Endowment Fund.

“A few years ago the Division of Science and Health received a $2.2 million dollar donation from Ron Rodgers in memory of his wife Willma. The money for this equipment [valued at approximately $72,000] came from the interest of that endowment,” says Trish O’Grady, development officer with the foundation.

O’Grady explains that the terms were that the interest go towards assisting students with bursaries and offsetting program costs for the division. – a promise that the college continues to keep.

“There is no doubt that this endowment has built a legacy for Willma. Through the Rodgers donation we are able to give our students hands-on experience in the high-fidelity patient simulation centre,” says Elizabeth Pennefather-O’Brien, acting dean of the Division of Science and Health. “Our students are being provided an opportunity to practice and hone their skills in a safe environment – where making mistakes is just another opportunity to learn – and are graduating with a rounded knowledge and understanding of the health sector.”

Adrienne Vair, lab assistant says that she believes the equipment helps attract students to the program and keeps them engaged as they are excited to get to learn in such a hands-on way.

“Everyone learns differently and with this technology we are able to layer their experience. They learn the fundamentals in the classroom and then get to come in and practice in a simulation setting. It’s always cool to see the students build the confidence they need to go into their practicum where their learning continues,” says Vair.

For more information on MHC’s simulation centre or to learn about the technology utilized in the Division of Science and Health visit www.mhc.ab.ca.

If you are interested in learning how you can create a legacy at the college contact Trish O’Grady at 403.502.8997, togrady@mhc.ab.ca or visit www.mhc.ab.ca/foundation.