Üsküdar Üniversitesi has achieved a first among foundation universities in Turkey by inaugurating its Perfusion Simulation Laboratory. The laboratory, which began operations at the NP Sağlık Yerleşkesi, ushers in a new era in cardiac surgery education. Students will gain the opportunity to experience ECMO applications in a realistic environment, as this high-tech laboratory introduces an innovative dimension to modern medical training.
Opportunity to experience with realistic scenarios
The Perfusion Simulation Laboratory, established within the Department of Perfusion at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences, was officially opened with a ceremony. As the first of its kind among foundation universities in Turkey, the laboratory allows students to experience cardiac surgery and ECMO applications through realistic scenarios.
The opening ceremony, held at Üsküdar Üniversitesi NP Sağlık Yerleşkesi, was attended by the Founder Rector of Üsküdar Üniversitesi, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hikmet Koçak, Head of the Perfusion Department at the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Ali Kocailik, along with university management and faculty members.
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan: “Technology provides great support here”
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founder Rector Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan emphasized the importance of zero error margin in medical education. Tarhan stated, “The most serious aspect of medicine is surgery because the margin for error is zero. The work performed by surgeons is no different from that of a pilot. Technology provides great support here. It is very important that our university utilizes this technology. Currently, this system is exclusive to us among foundation universities in Turkey. There is another example in state universities, but it is not active. We made this investment by saying 'we are health-focused'. We should be the ones to implement it perfectly.”
“Our students will be much more equipped and advantaged in their careers”
Tarhan continued his remarks, offering advice to students:
“Previously, in this field, high school graduates or nurses were trained through the master-apprentice method. This profession is relatively new, with a history of only 7-8 years. Now, education is provided at undergraduate and graduate levels. Our students in this field will be much more equipped and advantaged in their careers.”
Prof. Dr. Hikmet Koçak: “Not just a simple simulator, but a project serving life”
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hikmet Koçak, on the other hand, pointed out that the laboratory is not just a simulation area but a life-saving educational investment. Koçak said, “Just as pilots receive training in simulators, our students will learn everything here before touching a patient. When they attend to a patient they have learned about, the surgeon can now turn their back on them because they feel confident. This is not just a simulator; it is a project that serves the future and life.”
Prof. Dr. Ali Kocailik: “The aim is to fully equip our students for the field”
Head of the Perfusion Department at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Ali Kocailik, spoke about the laboratory's contributions to education, emphasizing the importance of integrating technology into learning processes. Kocailik stated, “Perfusion education had been provided through the master-apprentice method for many years, but this was not sufficient for complex clinical scenarios. We aim to fully equip our students scientifically and practically before they enter the field. The Califia Perfusion Simulator offers our students the opportunity to learn without error, work in teams, and develop decision-making skills. This system will provide a strong educational infrastructure not only for our students but also for clinicians. Perhaps it sounds ambitious, but I can confidently say that we are leaders in perfusion education with by far the best academic staff, the best laboratory facilities, and the best curriculum. We are also aiming for EBCP (European Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion) accreditation.”
A fully equipped preparation process before internship…
Since 2017, Üsküdar Üniversitesi has been training qualified perfusionists within its Perfusion undergraduate program.
Although students receive practical training in hospital operating rooms in their fourth year, thanks to the simulation laboratory, they undergo a fully equipped preparation process before their internships.
Capable of simulating high-risk procedures one-to-one
The Califia Perfusion Simulator used in the laboratory can accurately simulate high-risk procedures such as open-heart surgery or ECMO support. Recommended by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion, this system is utilized in all perfusion schools across North America.
Skills develop with error-free learning opportunities
Through simulation training, students develop teamwork, decision-making, emergency management, and communication skills, while also benefiting from error-free learning opportunities.
In this context, Üsküdar Üniversitesi extended its gratitude to EKOL Lojistik and Ahmet Musul for their support in establishing the laboratory.
