Community Hospital Health Foundation is excited to support medical student training and future healthcare workforce development through the purchase of laparoscopic instrumentation trainers. Made possible by funds from the Genevieve Armstrong Campbell Estate, these state-of-the-art simulation tools are now in use in the Surgery Department, providing hands-on training for medical students, residents, and high school students exploring careers in healthcare.

The laparoscopic trainers offer realistic surgical simulations, allowing medical students and residents to build foundational skills and confidence before participating in live procedures. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses small incisions and specialized instruments to perform procedures with less pain and faster recovery times for patients. By replicating operating room scenarios, these trainers help prepare future surgeons and healthcare professionals in a controlled, no-risk environment.

Beyond medical training, the trainers are being used in Health Careers classes and other outreach initiatives, introducing high school and college students to surgical techniques and career opportunities in healthcare. This initiative is a critical step in addressing healthcare workforce shortages in rural Nebraska by inspiring and preparing the next generation of medical professionals.

“This grant ensures that both current medical trainees and future healthcare professionals have access to tools they need to succeed,” said Jill Truksa, Surgery Department Director. “By providing a realistic and interactive training experience, we can help students develop the skills and confidence necessary for surgical careers.”

The trainers have already sparked student interest. Following Career Discovery Days, Amanda Dixon, Surgery Patient Educator, reflected on the experience: “This was my first time presenting, and it was exciting to see students engaged and interested in surgical careers. We’re already looking at ways to enhance future sessions, but it was rewarding to see the impact—by the final day, two students expressed interest in scrub tech school and were connected with resources to explore potential career opportunities. We’re grateful for the support in acquiring these trainers and look forward to using them to inspire more students in the future.”
“When the Surgery Department brought forward this innovative idea to enhance training for medical residents and engage high school students exploring healthcare careers, it quickly gained support from Administration and our Board of Directors,” said Jessica Bortner, Health Foundation Director. “We moved swiftly to ensure the equipment was available in time for Health Careers programming. It’s exciting to see the immediate impact, and we are deeply grateful to the Genevieve Armstrong Campbell Estate for making this investment in healthcare education possible.”

For more information or to make a meaningful contribution, please call 308-344-7222 or visit www.chmccook.org/foundation.

CHHF Laparoscopic Equipment 1 Cutline - Two Career Discovery Day participants practice surgical techniques using the new laparoscopic trainer, thanks to a generous grant from the Genevieve Armstrong Campbell Estate, which is enhancing healthcare education and workforce development in our community.