ThedaCare's new simulation lab will serve physicians in training, nurses and interprofessional care teams, May 26, 2026. (Photo courtesy: ThedaCare)
NEENAH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — ThedaCare is preparing to welcome its first cohort of residents to train in a new, state-of-the-art educational facility.
The 2,200-square-foot simulation lab is designed to support ThedaCare’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) program, which was created to help address physician shortages across Wisconsin, especially in rural and underserved areas. The ThedaCare Internal Medicine Residency program received accreditation in September and will welcome its first residents July 1.
“The completion of our simulation lab represents another significant investment in the future of healthcare in our communities through our GME program,” said Dr. Chris Stenberg, vice president of graduate medical education and clinical research for ThedaCare, in a news release.
By creating a shared, immersive learning environment, we are equipping our residents and teams with the skills, confidence and collaboration needed to deliver exceptional care to every patient, every time.
Officials said this cutting-edge training lab will enhance clinical education by offering three fully-equipped simulation rooms outfitted with advanced technology, a dedicated debrief room and a centralized control center. Each simulation room is designed to replicate real-world inpatient clinical environments, incorporating the same tools and systems used across ThedaCare facilities. The flexible design of the rooms also allows the spaces to be adapted to simulate a wide range of care settings.
“A dedicated simulation space plays a critical role in preparing health care professionals for the complexities of modern care delivery,” added Stenberg. “Through realistic, hands-on training, residents and team members can practice high-risk, low-frequency clinical scenarios, strengthen clinical judgment and refine coordinated responses to critical situations — all within a safe and controlled environment.”
The lab will serve physicians in training, nurses and interprofessional care teams.
Data from the Wisconsin Hospital Association shows the state needs 2,000-4,000 more physicians by 2035. According to ThedaCare, studies show nearly 55% of individuals who complete residency training will practice medicine in the community in which they trained. Additionally, 70% of physicians stay in the state when they complete both their GME and residency in the same state.
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