Tamara L. Owens, founding director of the Howard University Simulation & Clinical Skills Center, has received the Outstanding Educator of the Year award from the Association of Standardized Patient Educators (ASPE). Health care simulation is a learning tool that recreates a particular health care environment to allow people to experience a realistic health care event. ASPE is the leading organization in health care simulation for academic-based educators.
The ASPE Outstanding Educator award honors educators who have gained distinction from peers in the field and improved the recognition of the importance of patient simulation and technology at their respective universities. Dr. Owens is a former president of ASPE and has contributed to the field as an author and researcher.
“I am elated that my peers within ASPE have bestowed upon me the highest honor in our field,” Dr. Owens said. “I am very honored and blessed to receive this award, especially as the simulation health care profession is broadening its scope to meet new demands.”
Dr. Owens holds a Ph.D. in health communication with a specific research focus on provider/patient communication. Also, she has a master’s degree in education with a concentration in curriculum and instruction.