Dear Friends of the Gordon Center,

As we look back on 2024, the Gordon Center stands out for its remarkable achievements. This year was marked by intense dedication as we launched innovative curricula, new collaborations, and pioneering programs. Many of these initiatives debuted in 2024, with more set to make their introduction to our partners and the broader community in 2025.


We’ve made strides with our Advanced Stroke Life Support (ASLS®) Blended Learning course, co-developed with the American Heart Association. Over the past year, ASLS has significantly broadened its footprint, extending its reach to more cities across the U.S. and numerous countries worldwide. Moreover, in collaboration with the AHA and Laerdal Medical, we have developed a new course, Essential Stroke Life Support (ESLS®), which launched in February 2025.


ESLS is tailored specifically for EMTs, nurses in settings such as nursing homes where stroke risk is prevalent, and other healthcare professionals working outside traditional prehospital and hospital environments. You will also learn about the launch of a new generation of the cardiopulmonary patient simulator, Harvey® Premier. This latest version maintains the renowned quality of Harvey while reducing both its weight and cost significantly. Major enhancements in features and reductions in manufacturing costs have made Harvey Premier more affordable and accessible than ever. It was introduced to the public at the International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH) in Orlando in January 2025.


Lastly, we have established a new regional training hub in Tallahassee dedicated to training law enforcement and EMS personnel on the medical care of victims in active-shooter situations. In this unique program modeled on training by the US Army, law enforcement officers learn to provide immediate care to wounded victims, thereby increasing the chances of survival and recovery.


On a personal note, 2024 marked a significant milestone in my career as I assumed the presidency of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). During this transformative year, the SSH began implementing a comprehensive 5-year strategic plan alongside a detailed business plan. In my capacity as president, I dedicated my efforts to advancing the Society’s key strategic areas—education and learning, credentialing, research and innovation, advocacy, and organizational sustainability and growth. Although my term concluded in January 2025, I am committed to continuing my involvement with the SSH, particularly in my new role as immediate past president and ambassador. I hope learning about our achievements, advances, collaborations, and other highlights in this report will be as rewarding for you as it was for us to compile them. I extend my gratitude to our readers, the champions of our Center, and our collaborators and partners who supported us throughout 2024. The successes detailed in this annual report could not have been realized without your invaluable support.

Barry Issenberg, MD

Director
Gordon Center for Simulation and Innovation in Medical Education
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

2024 Annual Report