RFU Opens Virtual Health System to Prepare Students for the Next Generation of Healthcare

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) has officially opened its groundbreaking Virtual Health System (VHS), a fully immersive clinical training center designed to transform health education, enhance student preparation and drive the future of healthcare innovation. Spanning more than 23,000 square feet, the facility is one of the Midwest’s most modern, integrated and interprofessional training hubs.

“RFU’s Virtual Health System will serve as a convening space, an innovation sandbox where partners across the region work together to train, innovate and solve some of healthcare’s most pressing challenges,” Dr. Sousa said. “We’re setting a new standard for learning environments.” 

Unveiling a New Standard in Simulation

RFU celebrated the VHS unveiling with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and live simulation demonstration attended by President Aron Sousa, MD, and Interim Provost James Carlson, PhD, PA-C, CHSE-A, alongside state and local officials and community partners, the event highlighted the significant investments from the state of Illinois and generous support from RFU donors that made the facility possible.

Hands-On Training in Real-Time Environments

The one-of-a-kind simulation lab features an emergency room, intensive care unit (ICU), operating room, and labor and delivery suite. Designed to mirror a real hospital, the VHS allows RFU’s interprofessional student teams to navigate complex, real-time patient scenarios together before stepping into actual clinical environments. 

Powered by the latest technology, including artificial intelligence, immersive technologies and advanced 3D printing, and a dedicated makerspace, the VHS features specialized clinical spaces like a six-room emergency department and trauma bay. 

“The way we train healthcare professionals has to evolve with the way care is and is going to be delivered,” said Dr. Carlson, vice president for interprofessional education and simulation, who has spent two decades advancing RFU’s healthcare simulation program. “The VHS immerses students in the teamwork, technology and real-world decision-making that define modern healthcare and lets them experiment with new ideas that shape the future delivery of healthcare.”

VHS Impact

• 1,500+ students trained annually in RFU simulation facilities
• 47,000+ hours of hands-on, simulation-based learning completed in the 2024–2025 academic year
• A continuum of simulation-based experiences: Learners progress from hands-on skills practice and immersive clinical workshops to realistic interprofessional simulations, standardized-patient encounters, and comprehensive competency assessments.

Serving the Broader Community and Region

RFU has long led the way in using digital health technologies and AI to change how we are delivering and experiencing healthcare education. An early adopter of simulation-based training, RFU is a national leader and accredited center of excellence in healthcare education. In addition to training students, the VHS offers Chicagoland healthcare teams a high-tech simulation lab to sharpen advanced clinical skills in high-need specialties, including pediatric care, maternal health, nursing and emergency medicine. 

The VHS also partners with local elementary, middle and high schools to spark early interest in health professions, offering hands-on career exploration through programs such as Science Saturdays, Mini Medical School and INSPIRE.