Getting to Know..Gus

April 7, 2009

Getting to Know…GUS


Have you seen GUS walking or running around campus? Probably not. Chances are you probably don’t know GUS exists unless you are a student at the School of Nursing & Health Studies or were able to catch his media debut. GUS, also known as the Georgetown University Simulator, allows students to apply and hone skills in a non-threatening environment, providing preparation for students who will enter real-life clinical situations.

Lying in his hospital gown in the O’Neill Family Foundation Clinical Simulation Center in St. Mary’s Hall, we caught up with GUS to learn more about him…and her.

I’ve heard you enjoy the Hoyas basketball in your free-time. Other than that, GUS, most faculty and staff have not heard about you. Can you tell us more about who you are and what you do at Georgetown?

I came to Georgetown several years ago from the simulator plant in Sarasota, Fla. Not to brag, but what I do best is simulate rare and critical events. You know…high acuity and low frequency emergencies. I’m sure you’ve seen my cousin iStan on Grey’s Anatomy.

Overall, I was created to help students prepare for clinical situations. Depending on the lesson, I can be male or female, anywhere from 18-70. I can be a person with diabetes or even a cardiac patient. You can change my sex, age, and health status in a matter of seconds.

That’s pretty incredible. What else can you do?

There’s always more I can do. I have my own heart and lung sounds, papillary reactions which can be used to teach intubation, ventilation and follow-up assessment.

GUS, you seem to do it all. Are there other simulators out there doing the same thing as you?

For sure, simulation is taking off in all areas of health care. You can find it in hospitals, medical and nursing schools, and military bases all over the world. Simulations help students learn to think quickly and critically about the situation at hand. I give students an opportunity to function in an environment that is as close as possible to a clinical situation. I also help teach theory, assessment, technology and pharmacology skills.

Is it true you can simulate human physiological conditions on the moon?

Absolutely! If you ask me, I can simulate physiological conditions at the top of Mt. Everest. In fact, I am a physiologically modeled simulator, which means I am run by a complex system of mathematical models that consistently generate new vital signs based upon environment and illness. A faculty member can change, at a moment’s notice, any of my vitals to more realistically simulate an illness or a response to a student’s action.

GUS, you are certainly a very intriguing, complex and sophisticated simulator. Thanks for sharing your story. Anything else you want us to know?

First, I recently welcomed Neo Nate and his mom Noelle to the Simulation Center. Neo Nate and Noelle are a pediatric and maternal version of me. It’s not been nearly as lonely since they arrived. Second, I'm looking for an agent to handle my media tours. Give me a call if you're interested!






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