AV Integration at the University of the Pacific's PA Training Center
LightWerks is proud to have collaborated with the University of the Pacific to establish the Center for Physician Assistant Education in Sacramento, a state-of-the-art facility that sets a new benchmark in medical education. This partnership has facilitated a technologically advanced environment that significantly enhances both teaching and learning, providing students with the essential tools they need to excel in the healthcare field. Notable technology manufacturers including LG, Crestron, Axis, Panasonic, Vaddio, Aver, and Shure have been integral in equipping this facility with top-tier equipment.
Spanning 22,500 square feet, the Sacramento facility includes a simulation wing, procedure lab, a 98-seat classroom, small group learning rooms, social/study areas, and an administrative suite. These advanced spaces and thoughtful integration of technology by LightWerks prepare students for successful careers in healthcare, supporting the expansion of the Physician Assistant program and doubling its student capacity. “This truly is the start of a new era for Pacific’s physician assistant program,” said Tracey DelNero, department chair and program director. “We have been approved by our accrediting body to double our cohort size, so we will be graduating 90 students every year, which is more than twice the size of the average PA program nationwide. Having this amazing building in Sacramento allows us the space and educational equipment to provide a very high-quality education for a growing number of students.”
The Simulation Lab is equipped with a six-bay Simulation Center featuring high-fidelity manikins. These manikins are used to simulate various traumatic scenarios, preparing students for surgical procedures before their clinical rotations. Each bay includes an LG flat panel above it, linked to a computer program that allows instructors to adjust the manikin’s responses based on student actions. The LG displays provide clear and vibrant visuals for video presentations, lectures, and simulations, enhancing the learning environment. For instance, if chest compressions are inadequate during a simulated code, the system can modify the rhythm and project these changes onto one or all six screens, creating a dynamic and realistic training scenario. Axis IP cameras installed in each bay enable instructors in the control room to monitor and guide student performance. This setup not only simulates a real-life medical scenario but also enhances the collaborative learning environment as students can observe and practice based on the instructor-led procedures on their own manikins. The labs are seamlessly integrated with Crestron Control Systems, managing various AV inputs and outputs to switch effortlessly between sources.
Following the Simulation Lab, the Clinical Procedure Lab houses two virtual dissection tables—6-foot-long touch screens that provide a high-fidelity 3D imaged cadaver experience. These tables allow students to interact with virtual dissections and explore functional anatomy, enhancing their practical and analytical skills. The advanced touch screen tables enable students to select tools with their hands to slice and manipulate the virtual cadaver. The tables contain scans of four actual cadavers, integrated into their systems—a feature that previously did not exist. With this new technology, images can be projected to the LG displays around the classroom, allowing small groups to work on different aspects simultaneously in various parts of the room, further enhancing the learning experience. Evidence from test scores indicates that this technology, which allows students to more deeply delve into anatomy and physiology, has improved their clinical reasoning skills. As Bryan McLaughlin ’25, class president for his cohort shared, “I can explore levels of anatomy and physiology that I wouldn’t otherwise have access to, and that’s going to help me going into rotations in a couple of months. I’ll be able to understand CT scans or MRIs a little bit better because of this equipment. It’s great to practice in a low stress environment where I can make mistakes before going into the real world with real patients.”
In addition to the Simulation Lab and Clinical Procedure Lab, the Sacramento facility also includes an Outpatient Simulation Lab which simulates doctors’ offices. This area is equipped with two Axis cameras per room, utilizing software for live viewing, recording, and paging. The system orchestrates student movement through the rooms in timed sessions, accompanied by recordings. This setup allows students to review the recordings on their own or immediately after the session for live debriefing, enhancing their learning and reflective practices. Such features enable a comprehensive review and immediate application of lessons learned during practical exercises, adding more value to the educational experience.
On the second floor of the building is a fully integrated 98-person classroom, equipped with Aver and Vaddio cameras to capture lectures and educational activities. This classroom features a Panasonic projector and a Da-Lite screen, providing an optimal viewing environment for large groups.
High-quality Shure microphones are used throughout the facility to ensure clear audio capture, complemented by an assisted listening system and Crestron ceiling speakers for excellent sound distribution. The comprehensive AV setup ensures all audio and visual communications are clearly audible and visible to students and instructors.
