In The News: Kansas City University’s Center for Medical Education Innovation can adapt to changes in medical curriculum
The Center for Medical Education Innovation has repeatedly been recognized for putting Kansas City University at the forefront of clinical education and being the first of a new generation of buildings on campus.
CMEI was recently featured by Building Design + Construction for its innovative, forward-thinking design. Reporter Peter Fabris highlighted that, “Transparency is a key element of the design of the CMEI, guiding the articulation of the glass curtain wall to showcase the next-generation medical education environments within. The glazing defines the visually open facility, highlighting its learning activities during the day, and transforming into a subtle, illuminated beacon on campus at night. The building is a dramatic anchor to a future new campus entry. Evoking the heritage of the campus’ brick-clad buildings, the materials palette is rounded out with low-maintenance brick, metal panel, and precast concrete.”
The article also notes the team’s approach to flexible design, particularly with the simulation suite that is housed in “an innovative and adaptable ‘black box’ stage.”
The article continues: “CMEI supports the University’s educational mission to train compassionate and competent leaders in osteopathic medicine by creating a state-of-the-art facility that leverages active-learning and simulation-based training. Through its sensitive yet bold architectural design—with the key themes of transparency and multi functionality—the building reflects both the University’s heritage and tradition as well as its vision for the future of medical education and community engagement.”
Designed in collaboration with CO Architects, CMEI was designed to adapt to changes in medical curriculum and pedagogy. Featuring standardized patient rooms, high-fidelity simulation rooms, a skills simulation deck, and a simulation command center, students will experience almost 40 simulations by the time they reach their third-year clinicals. CMEI opened in February 2020. Its emphasis on flexibility and integration of technology allowed the building to be used for virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
