U.S. Army Brings Interactive Mobile Medical Exhibit to SON
From SimMan manikins dressed in Army fatigues to a Wii game on treating trauma patients, The U.S. Army Medical Operations Semi brought interactive education to the doorstep of the VCU School of Nursing on Aug. 24. Stationed in the SON parking lot, the 60-foot tractor trailer housed a mobile exhibit, where Army representatives conducted tours and shared career information with students.
Inside the exhibit, students operated virtual games to test their ability to find, diagnose and treat patients with a variety of medical emergencies. They also scanned career information kiosks and viewed videos showing medical robotics and future technologies, as well as other mock-up exhibits.
The U.S. Army Medical Operations Semi visits high schools, colleges, shows and fairs nationwide, said Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Baer. The exhibit is part of the Army’s efforts to educate the public on medical career opportunities in one of the largest health care networks in the world, he said.
“Just about any job you find in a civilian hospital, we have it in the Army,” Baer added.
Susan Lipp, MS, RN, assistant dean for enrollment and student services, said the School of Nursing is committed to exposing students to diverse opportunities in the field of nursing.
“The Army Medical Operations Semi offers a unique, virtual experience that is consistent with our hands-on classroom learning,” Lipp said. “This is a much more interesting way to educate students on careers in the military.”
Kirsten Westberg, a sophomore ROTC nursing student, and Amy Steinbuechler, a junior ROTC nursing student, visited the exhibit to get a feel for what they may encounter once they enter the armed forces.
Westberg said her desire to join the military’s medical operations is based on family tradition. “Both of my parents retired from the military and my grandmother was a nurse,” she said.
Steinbuechler said the Army offers rewarding career opportunities for nurses. “I want to be able to serve the men and women who serve our country,” Steinbuechler said. 
Kirsten Westberg (left) and Amy Steinbuechler (right) take a moment to view the SimMan station inside the Army’s mobile exhibit.
