The Center for Healthcare Improvement and Patient Simulation (CHIPS) at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center will host a town hall February 22 to explore the role of simulation education in helping learners provide equitable health care. The event, titled “The Power of We,” will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Schreier Auditorium of the Student-Alumni Center, 800 Madison Ave., room 200.
Guest speaker Desiree A. Díaz, PhD, FNP-BC, CNE, CHSE-A, ANEF, FAAN, a leading health care simulation education expert, will bring faculty, staff, and students together to discuss how simulation-based training can improve cultural congruence in the global community. The town hall will feature a remote attendance option for those unable to attend in person. A link to register for remote attendance can be found at https://uthsc.edu/simulation/townhall.php.
Dr. Díaz is the undergraduate simulation coordinator and an associate professor at the University of Central Florida. She creates tests and disseminates research on cutting-edge technologies, such as holograms, within the simulation community. She was recently named president-elect of the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning and was also recently inducted as a Fellow into the Simulation Academy.
“We are excited to have Dr. Desiree Diaz come share her insight with our campus,” said Tim Dotson, town hall producer. “The CHIPS team invites faculty, staff, and students to come be a part of the conversation, as we discuss ways to inspire our campus to be a more open-minded learning environment.”
The town hall will be moderated by NaKeshi “Nikki” Dyer, EdD, NCC, a native Memphian and certified psychotherapist who has been in the field of mental health for more than 25 years. Dr. Dyer is an assistant professor at the UTHSC College of Dentistry, where she teaches dental ethics, human behavior and dental practice, as well as health care and dental simulation.
Dr. Dyer is passionate about facilitating conversations on topics pertaining to health disparities, including bias, sexuality, gender, identity, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. She believes her work is her way to engage in social action, contributing to the overall cultural competency of health professionals and the health care of underserved populations by designing effective strategies for integrating wellness, diversity, equity, and inclusion practices into organizations.