“Charlie and his Mum” Simulator Brings Cutting-Edge Medical Training to the San Luis Valley

Left to Right: Monica Hinds, Director of Obstetrics; Tammy Gregg, DO, Valley Wide Health Systems; Darin Tanberg, Director SLVH Foundation; Roxann Sittler, President, SLVH Foundation; Lori Laske, Director SLV Health Foundation; Brittany Sours, Director of Nursing Professional Development and Practice

Access to advanced medical training tools is a major advancement for rural healthcare, bringing positive change and new opportunities to our community. This is clearly demonstrated by the introduction of the “Charlie and his Mum” obstetric training simulator in the San Luis Valley. This state-of-the-art device is more than just new technology—it empowers nurses to build confidence and refine their skills in a realistic setting, all without the need to practice on real patients. As a result, our community benefits from healthcare professionals who are better prepared and more confident in their abilities.

Why Does This Matter?

Traditionally, learning complex obstetric skills often means practicing on real patients, which can be stressful for both students and mothers. With “Charlie and his Mum,” students, such as, future doctors, nurses, and midwives, can repeatedly practice vital procedures like cervical checks and identifying fetal positions in a lifelike, risk-free environment. This means learners build confidence and expertise without any risk to actual patients, raising the standard of care across the region.

For San Luis Valley, this innovation means:

• Safer care for mothers and babies: Nursing students can master vital skills before performing them on patients.
• Better-trained professionals: Nurses, doctors, and midwives are equipped with hands-on experience that textbooks and lectures simply can’t provide.

The Impact in the San Luis Valley

This project was made possible by Dr. Tammy Gregg, a dedicated family physician and educator, and the commitment of the San Luis Valley Health Foundation. Dr. Gregg recognized how simulation-based learning could transform education for local healthcare students. With Dr. Gregg’s support, the Foundation secured funding for “Charlie and his Mum,” recognizing how simulation-based learning could transform education for local healthcare students and ensuring that our community’s healthcare students learn with the most advanced tools available.

Future generations of doctors, nurses, and midwives will be better prepared, more confident, and more capable of providing exceptional care to every family in the Valley.

Supporting a Healthier Future

Investments in advanced medical education aren’t just about equipment. They’re about building a healthier future for everyone in the San Luis Valley. Through the generosity of donors and the dedication of local leaders, tools like the “Charlie and his Mum” simulator are helping to ensure that exceptional healthcare is a reality in the San Luis Valley.

For more information or to support projects like this, please contact Kelly S. Gurule, Director of the San Luis Valley Health Foundation or at www.sanluisvalleyhealth.org/foundation