HHS Regional Director Visits FAU to Witness Health Impact in Action

From left, FAU President Adam Hasner, Owlsley and Samantha Brown-Parks, M.D., regional director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and FAU alumna '92. (Photo by Alex Dolce)

Florida Atlantic University welcomed Samantha Brown-Parks, M.D., regional director for the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and a proud FAU alumna'92, to its Boca Raton campus recently. The day-long visit showcased the university's leadership in health workforce development, interdisciplinary research and community health innovation.

Hosted by FAU's Office of Government Relations and Economic Development, the visit brought together senior federal health officials, university leadership, faculty, students and regional health care partners for a series of meetings, tours and discussions focused on strengthening the nation's health care workforce pipeline, advancing public and behavioral health initiatives, and expanding community-based partnerships.

"Welcoming Dr. Brown-Parks back to her alma mater is a tremendous honor and a chance to show how Florida Atlantic University is transforming health care delivery, research, education and innovation throughout our region," said FAU President Adam Hasner. "We are proud to demonstrate the real-world impact of our programs and partnerships, and share how Florida Atlantic is shaping the next generation of health professionals and scientists to meet critical workforce demands."

A key highlight of the visit was a tour of FAU's Clinical Skills Simulation Center, located in the Research Park at FAU. Joined by Lewis S. Nelson, M.D., dean and chief of health affairs for FAU's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Brown-Parks observed a team of international nurses immersed in scenario-based training designed to prepare health professionals for high-pressure clinical environments.

During the tour, FAU demonstrated two simulation scenarios: a motor vehicle accident case emphasizing trauma assessment, prioritization, teamwork and communication, and a lightning strike scenario focused on airway management, rapid response and performance under pressure.

"What I observed today is a powerful example of how advanced simulation can elevate clinical training and ultimately improve patient outcomes," said Brown-Parks. "FAU's Clinical Skills Simulation Center is equipping health professionals with the critical thinking, technical expertise and confidence needed to deliver high-quality care in even the most complex situations."

Operated by the Schmidt College of Medicine, the Clinical Skills Simulation Center is a cornerstone of FAU's health education infrastructure. Originally established in 2006 through state funding secured by Hasner when he was a member of the Florida House of Representatives - along with philanthropic support from the Quantum Foundation - the facility has evolved into a high-tech training environment that supports medical education and regional emergency preparedness.

Today, the center serves a wide range of learners, including medical students, resident physicians, nurses, first responders, allied health professionals and community caregivers - enhancing clinical performance, strengthening teamwork and improving patient safety.

Since its inception, the Clinical Skills Simulation Center has trained thousands of health professionals, including more than 3,700 medical students; 1,100 nursing students; more than 2,200 physician assistant students; more than 2,300 nurses (both international and domestic); and hundreds of residents and first responders. The center also supports community outreach and continuing education initiatives, including advanced trauma life support training and K-12 pathway programs that help build the future health care workforce.

Throughout the day, Brown-Parks and representatives from the Health Resources and Services Administration met with FAU leadership and engaged with regional health system partners. Conversations focused on addressing workforce shortages, expanding access to care, leveraging technology and data analytics, and aligning academic programs with national health priorities.

The visit also included a meet-and-greet with Hasner, a roundtable discussion with community health partners, a tour of FAU's College of Engineering and Computer Science highlighting innovations in artificial intelligence and health care data analytics, and a visit to FAU's Lab Schools to explore K-12-to-career pipeline programs.

Attendees reflected the breadth of FAU's collaborative ecosystem, with participation from the Schmidt College of Medicine; Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing; College of Engineering and Computer Science; College of Social Work and Criminal Justice; FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute; FAU University Schools; and numerous regional health care organizations.

Brown-Parks' visit underscored FAU's growing national role in shaping the future of health care through education, research and community engagement - while reinforcing the university's commitment to preparing a highly skilled, adaptable and compassionate workforce equipped to meet evolving health care challenges.

From left, Samantha Brown-Parks, M.D., regional director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and FAU alumna '92, Sindiana Echeverri, director, FAU Clinical Skills Simulation Center, and Lewis S. Nelson, M.D., dean and chief of health affairs, FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine.

Samantha Brown-Parks, M.D., (center), observing a training session with nurses at the FAU Clinical Skills Simulation Center.

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