For Corey Amo, teaching has always been about the ah-ha moments when a student’s understanding clicks into place. It’s what first drew him to special education and what continues to drive him today as he helps future health care professionals learn and grow through simulation education at West Virginia University.
As the physical diagnosis and clinical integration (PDCI) supervisor at the David and Jo Ann Shaw Center for Simulation Training and Education for Patient Safety (STEPS), Amo oversees three courses for the West Virginia University School of Medicine that serve as a bridge between classroom learning and real-world patient care.
“These courses are complex and have many unique components that need ongoing attention and coordination,” Amo said. “STEPS provides valuable high-quality experiences to all of WVU’s healthcare professionals, students and staff.”
Before joining WVU, Amo spent 13 years teaching special education in Washington state’s Renton School District and Tacoma Public Schools. When Amo and his husband decided to move to West Virginia to be closer to family, he learned he could use his teaching skills to help students entering the health care field.
Amo finds simulation education as a crucial part of learning for those entering the health care field, allowing students to learn life-saving techniques.
“STEPS is the hub of learning for all the Health Sciences students throughout the year. The students learn to work with the various disciplines by running through simulated experiences that would provide a learning opportunity in a safe, low-risk environment for the disciplines to cooperate.”
The state-of-the-art training center includes two 10-bed open lab spaces, 12 patient exam rooms, a large surgical skills unit, an operating room, a mother-child suite, four ICU setups and the latest technology, including augmented reality and virtual reality equipment and high fidelity manikins.
Whether he’s analyzing with data or bringing an event to life, Amo thrives on each day looking different than the next. He especially enjoys the opportunity to connect and collaborate with a diverse community of health care professionals, students and staff.
“Every day is different,” Amo said. “Naturally, I enjoy working with my students and colleagues, and the variety and flexibility of my job makes it especially rewarding.”
Amo encourages up-and-coming healthcare professionals to stay motivated and connected to what inspired them to pursue this field.
“The road can be long and hard,” Amo said. “Keep your eye on the prize and remember your WHY.”