UPIKE Newsroom

The University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) has been awarded a $400,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to support the expansion and modernization of its clinical simulation lab.

ARC uses congressionally appropriated funds to invest in Appalachia’s economic and community development through grants. The ARC grant program provides financial assistance to create jobs, develop the workforce and provide health care and education services throughout the region.

KYCOM’s simulation program prepares future physicians for clinical rotations, residency programs and careers across a variety of specialties in a safe, controlled learning environment. Through realistic, immersive and evidence-based simulations, students are exposed to a broader range of clinical scenarios and medical conditions than they might otherwise encounter during their medical training. The program enables students to practice and refine clinical skills and decision-making in a structured setting before interacting with patients.

“For nearly three decades, KYCOM has built a strong track record of preparing physicians who enter primary care and remain in rural communities,” said Joe Kingery, D.O., MBA, FACOFP, FAAFP, dean of KYCOM. “This ARC grant allows us to elevate our simulation training environment, providing advanced, realistic clinical experiences that enhance student competency and confidence. As we look toward thoughtful expansion of our class size, these enhanced simulation resources ensure we can grow while continuing to meet the healthcare workforce needs of Appalachia.”

The funding will allow KYCOM to acquire additional supplies and updated equipment to further strengthen its simulation-based learning program. While KYCOM has built a strong foundation with its current resources, many of the simulation tools have been in use for several years and are ready for modernization to keep pace with advances in medical education. 

The expanded and modernized simulation lab will support instruction across its curriculum. All eight clinical faculty members, along with biomedical science faculty, will incorporate the enhanced simulation resources into their instruction. The grant also supports KYCOM’s plans to expand its class size. By increasing access to additional simulators and related equipment, KYCOM will be better positioned to accommodate more students while maintaining high-quality, hands-on clinical training.

This program is supported by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the Commonwealth of Kentucky as part of an award totaling $400,000 (80% of the project costs), with 20% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ARC, the Commonwealth of Kentucky or the U.S. Government.