Deb Danforth chats with Alexa Harkness prior to entering an exam room in the CLC.
actually detect if I’ m being compassionate or not, or empathetic. In the end, it told me,‘ You need to make more eye contact,’ so it actually gave me feedback.”
Danforth said SPs will still be used to judge empathy, in conjunction with the virtual patients. Two computer consoles for the virtual patients were funded by a gift from the Jules B. Chapman and Annie Lou Chapman Private Foundation, just one of many ways the foundation supports the college and its students.
“ AI is the new thing,” Danforth said, adding that she is incorporating AI into the student experience where it makes sense. For example, AI is now used to grade patient notes that the students write, as opposed to faculty grading them by hand.
What’ s on Danforth’ s wish list? Two items. First, new high-fidelity simulated patient mannequins. Although much of the technology has changed in the CLC, the simulated patients have not. So, if you were in the CLC 15 years ago, you’ ll see the familiar faces of those same simulated patients today.
“ We need to move to the next level,” Danforth said.“ There are simulated patients that can actually raise their hand and squeeze. And, with the SPs, I can’ t make them have heart murmurs or have a stroke— but a simulator could.”
Second: Danforth said her dream is to have a mobile unit that can be used for testing, complete with actual exam rooms. With six regional campuses and 32 residency and fellowship programs spanning the state of Florida, a mobile unit would certainly rack up the miles.
“ And, if we weren’ t using it for testing, we could use it for community outreach,” Danforth said.“ Or, if there were a disaster, we could send out the mobile unit.”
As the CLC continues to grow and expand its reach, its value and impact on patient-centered care is becoming more well known. No longer just serving medical students, the program is now used by physician assistant students, residents, FAMU pharmacy students and others.
“ We’ ve also worked with the College of Social Work on child abuse cases,” Danforth said.“ We changed our simulation rooms into apartments, and we hire children as standardized patients.”
All of this— the new technology, new teaching methods and AI— is very important. But it boils down to one thing: good, patient-centered care.
“ I’ ve definitely learned how important it is to do the small things, like make that eye contact, shake a hand, have a warm smile,” Sewiol said.“ It can really make a difference for those patients and keeps them involved. I feel like that’ s what FSU does here at the CLC. This has taught me more than just the medicine, but about that human connection, as well.”
FALL 2026 | FSUMED 9