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| Laura Boatright, M.D. |
In her new role, she is responsible for the development and implementation of simulation activities in Whiddon College of Medicine’s new simulation lab and for advocating for the use of simulation-based medical education at the medical school. She oversees areas such as faculty development, creation of simulation courses, and simulation-based research, while ensuring alignment with accreditation standards from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare and the Liaison Committee on Medical Education.
Her goals include increasing the availability of simulation for undergraduate and graduate medical education learners and applying continuous quality improvement methodology to all simulation activities.
“Our long-term goal is to create a collaborative and supportive learning environment that supports the needs of our learners and faculty, leaving a lasting positive impact on our learners, their patients, and our community,” she said.
Since July 2022, Boatright has served as the director of clinical skills and simulation at the Whiddon College of Medicine, where she refined curriculum content, including simulation activities, for the M1 and M2 Clinical Skills courses. As assistant dean, she will continue her work on the Health Resources and Services Administration grant for the Primary Care Pathway.
Boatright said the most rewarding part of her vocation is the opportunity to impact the growth of students and faculty. “Witnessing students develop confidence in their clinical skills and critical thinking through simulation activities is incredibly fulfilling,” she said. “Additionally, working with faculty members to elevate their teaching practices and create meaningful educational experiences gives me a deep sense of purpose.”
Prior to joining the University of South Alabama, Boatright was the director of the Simulation Center at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Boatright graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida in Gainesville with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She completed the post-baccalaureate premedical program at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia. She went on to earn a medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine.
She is a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator and a member of the Association of Standardized Patient Educators and the Society for Simulation in Healthcare.
