SPOKANE, Wash. – The Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine has earned another recognition for its innovative approach to medical education with its latest designation as an Apple Distinguished School for 2019–2022.
The designation is granted to K–12 and higher education institutions that showcase innovative uses of technology in learning, teaching, and the school environment and have documented results of academic accomplishment.
The College of Medicine, which has armed each of its 200 medical students with an iPad thanks to the generous donation of Numerica Credit Union, leverages the latest technology in its curriculum to ensure the next generation of Washington state’s physicians are empowered to learn and treat patients with the tools being rapidly adopted in healthcare.
“Innovation and technology are at the heart of who we are and how we educate our students inside and outside of the classroom,” said John Tomkowiak, founding dean of the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. “Being named an Apple Distinguished School is a proud moment for us and further validates the immense value of our forward-thinking approach to medical education.”
As the healthcare environment becomes increasingly digital and mobile, medical students must be engaged with technologies and devices to prepare for medical practice. iPads help foster interactive learning, provide numerous medical applications, and deliver case-based learning materials in support of a digital-first, textbook-free learning experience. Furthermore, the iPads support the college’s mission for serving rural and underserved communities in Washington by virtually connecting faculty and students wherever they are in the practice of healthcare.
“Having an iPad has completely elevated my performance as a medical student,” said Erin O’Rorke, second year medical student. “I’m able to use interactive applications to visualize anatomy in 3‑D, quickly switch between the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard for taking notes in class, and access my email and calendar to stay organized.”
In addition to iPad, the College of Medicine has adopted a range of technologies to engage medical students in the educational process including high‑tech simulators that can breathe, sweat, bleed and voice pain; virtual reality and augmented reality tools; 3D printers and more.
For more information, visit medicine.wsu.edu.
About Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
The Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine is Washington’s community-based medical school. Named after Washington State University’s late president, Elson S. Floyd, the college was created to expand medical education and health care access in communities across the state. Accredited in October 2016, the college welcomed its inaugural class in August 2017. For more information, visit medicine.wsu.edu.
Media contact:
Christina VerHeul, 509‑368‑6850, christina.verheul@wsu.edu
