SCCM partnered with the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences and successfully hosted a Fundamental Critical Care Support course.
In May 2026, faculty from the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences partnered with the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and successfully hosted a Fundamental Critical Care Support (FCCS) course at the Lloyd A. Jacobs Interprofessional Immersive Simulation Center, equipping more than 30 healthcare professionals with essential skills for the early recognition and management of critically ill patients.
The multidisciplinary program brought together physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and healthcare administrators for a comprehensive learning experience. Participants completed the SCCM's FCCS curriculum through a combination of online education, hands-on simulation training, and competency assessment covering topics such as mechanical ventilation, airway management, sepsis and shock, traumatic brain injury, and other critical care emergencies.
Led by Dr. Fadi Safi and Dr. Jill Cherry-Bukowiec, the course was supported by an experienced interprofessional faculty team that included Dr. Aamir Patel, Kyley Keene, PA-C, Melissa Kukiela, Conner Buraszeskim, and Dr. Janice Zimmerman, along with dedicated staff from the simulation center who provided critical support throughout the program. Together, the team delivered a high-impact educational experience that produced measurable results. Post-course evaluations showed that participants achieved more than a 50% improvement across all 18 assessed clinical competency areas, reflecting significant gains in confidence and preparedness for managing critically ill patients.
The success of the inaugural course has inspired plans to expand FCCS training to additional hospitals and healthcare institutions throughout the region, further strengthening critical care education and patient care readiness.
Impact at a Glance
- Training of 30+ healthcare professionals
- Multidisciplinary participation across critical care teams
- More than 50% improvement in clinical competency scores
- Hands-on simulation and skills-based learning
- Plans underway to expand training opportunities to neighboring institutions
